According to Manos Antoninis, Director of the Global Education Monitoring Report, "In Africa, at least one in three children goes to school hungry." He stresses that school meal programmes are essential, particularly for children from low-income families, as they significantly impact both attendance and academic performance.

While nearly half of the world’s children benefit from school meal programmes, concerns are mounting over their nutritional value as childhood obesity rates continue to climb. A recent report by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) Global Education Monitoring team and the Research Consortium of School Health and Nutrition underscores the urgent need for better regulation of school meal quality.

Access to school meals remains a significant challenge, particularly in Africa, where many children rely on them as their primary source of daily nutrition. Antoninis highlights the broader implications: "Providing a nutritious meal at school is not just about feeding children; it is about ensuring they can focus, learn, and stay in school longer."

However, funding remains a hurdle. The report reveals that in Africa, only 38% of school meal costs are covered by public funds, with the remainder relying on external aid. This raises concerns about sustainability and the feasibility of expanding programmes to ensure universal access. He argues that universal school meals foster inclusivity and social cohesion, making them a worthwhile investment for governments.

Beyond access, the report highlights another pressing issue, childhood obesity, which has more than tripled since 1975. While school meals combat hunger, poor nutritional standards in many countries mean they can also contribute to unhealthy weight gain. The report notes that only half of all nations have regulations governing the quality of school meals, and even fewer enforce restrictions on the sale of unhealthy food in or around schools.

With childhood obesity and malnutrition coexisting as global challenges, experts are urging governments to take decisive action.

--ChannelAfrica--