Global School Meal Programs

An Emerging Investment Opportunity in Public Health and Sustainable Agriculture

In recent years, school meal programs have gained increasing attention not just as a public health initiative, but also as a potential driver for sustainable agricultural practices and local economic development. As investors seek opportunities in the evolving landscape of public health and sustainable agriculture, school food programs present an intriguing area of focus.

Photo by Nadine Primeau on Unsplash

Key Trends in Global School Meal Programs:

1. Universal Free Meals:

Countries like Finland, Brazil, and South Korea have implemented universal free school meal programs. These initiatives have shown positive effects on student behavior, attendance, mental health, nutrition, and academic achievement. In the United States, while national implementation is still pending, eight states including California and Vermont now provide free meals for all K-12 students.

2. Scratch Cooking:

There's a growing emphasis on preparing meals from scratch in school kitchens, moving away from ultra-processed foods. Countries such as Brazil, Finland, India, Japan, and South Korea prioritize this approach, even in large urban centers. Research indicates that scratch-cooked school meals benefit student health, academic performance, local agriculture, and the environment.