Impact of universal free school meals on health and equity: international policy scoping review

ISSUE: Every child should have access to healthy foods, engagement with peers, and thrive in educational environments. Universal free school meal policies can address health inequalities and the wider determinants of health. Such policies can impact economic development, community well-being, gender equity, and environmental sustainability. DESCRIPTION: The World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on Investment for Health and Well-being undertook an international scoping policy review to identify examples of universal free school meals policy and practice. Resources, including government, public health, and non-governmental organisational websites, were reviewed. Data were extracted on delivery models and outcomes including health, equity, sustainability, and economic well-being. Best practices were summarised. The findings were shared with key Government stakeholders to provide high level overview of the impact of school food programmes and procurement practices on health and wellbeing, wider determinants and social outcomes to inform local policy and practice decisions. RESULTS: The report provides evidence on the impacts of universal free school meal programmes as well as promising practices to improve health, equity and well-being. Outcomes explored within the report include inter alia: health and well-being (nutrition, physical health), wider determinants (inequities, educational attainment, poverty, food insecurity) and social outcomes (stigma, social skills, uptake of school food programmes). Taking a global perspective, the report summarises international evidence to support inclusive, sustainable, and equitable solutions, such as improving economic well-being, promoting sustainable procurement practices, and maximising social return on investment. LESSONS: Mobilising and sharing international evidence and best practice supports equitable, long-term action to improve the health and well-being of children, local economies, and the climate. KEY MESSAGES: • International learning provides key insights to support innovative, equitable and effective policies. • Sustainable policies should address health and social outcomes, and support children and the environment.