School meal coalition Guatemala

School feeding programmes, when implemented strategically, can be a powerful tool for leveraging progress on education goals. School feeding programmes serve as catalysts for nurturing individuals, communities, and a more sustainable and inclusive food system as a whole. By supplying children with nutritious meals, they directly address immediate hunger concerns within families, ensuring that students receive the nourishment necessary for optimal learning and development. Additionally, the programme creates a readily accessible market for small-scale farmers and local families who rely on farming as a source of income, thereby supporting local economies. Furthermore, sourcing produce locally for school nutrition reduces the programme’s environmental impact by minimizing long-distance transportation and addressing climate-related challenges. Moreover, by integrating nutrition education into the curriculum, children cultivate healthy habits that extend beyond the school walls, positively influencing family dietary choices. This emphasis on healthy eating empowers families to make informed decisions, potentially enhancing their overall well-being and socioeconomic stability over time.