WHO launches the first international standards for school meals for the lifelong health of children

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, said: “The food children eat at school, and the environment that shapes their eating habits, can have a profound impact on their learning, with long-term consequences for their health and well-being.”

Eating habits start early

Rates of childhood overweight and obesity are increasing globally, while malnutrition remains an ongoing challenge. Child obesity levels will exceed underweight cases worldwide for the first time in 2025.

One in ten school-age children and teenagers were obese last year, and one in five – 391 million – were overweight.

In addition, a recent World Health Organization report revealed that diabetes now affects more than 800 million people globally, and one in six pregnancies.

As of October 2025, 104 member states had policies relating to healthy school food, but only 48 had policies restricting the marketing of foods high in sugar, salt or unhealthy fats, according to the World Health Organization.

For millions of children who spend a significant portion of their day in school, the food environment they are exposed to can shape their future eating habits.

Dr. Tedros said: “Providing good nutrition at school is crucial to preventing diseases later in life and raising a generation of healthier adults.”

More legumes, less sugar

The World Health Organization recommends increasing the availability of healthy foods and drinks while reducing unhealthy foods. This means limiting free sugars, saturated fats and sodium, while providing more whole grains, fruits, nuts and legumes.

Other recommendations include implementing “motivational interventions” – changes in packaging, food presentation or portion sizes designed to encourage children to choose healthier foods. The organization will support countries with technical assistance, knowledge exchange and other cooperative measures to implement the new guidance.