The world’s farmers produce enough food to feed more than the global population yet, hunger persists. Around 733 million people are facing hunger in the world due to repeated weather shocks, conflicts, economic downturns, inequality, and the pandemic. This impacts the poor and vulnerable, reflecting widening inequalities across and within countries.
Food is the third most basic human need after air and water – everyone should have the right to adequate food. Every day, millions of children around the world go to school on an empty stomach – hunger affects their concentration and ability to learn.
School meal programmes can help address challenges. They are a multisectoral game changer that improve children’s education, health and nutrition. More broadly, they support the whole community by providing an important safety net, and by strengthening food systems and economies.
School meals were introduced in Sweden over 100 years ago, with the aim of giving all children the opportunity to go to school and learn, regardless of their socioeconomic situation. Today the National Guidelines for school meals are based on a holistic model for meals that considers six areas: taste, enjoyment (creating a pleasant food environment), safety, nutrition, eco-friendliness, and the integration of school meals in the educational work. The model thus highlights the importance of school meals for health, social well-being, education, and environmental sustainability.
The Swedish FAO committee welcomes you to the Swedish Celebration of World Food Day where we will focus on how school meals can contribute to the UN charter for the Right to Food and to achievement of the SDG´s.