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Spring 2025 is in full swing, and it’s already been meaningful for the global school meal community. GCNF proudly represented school meals at various events, including the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit and the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings. In this newsletter edition, we’re pleased to share the 2024 Global Child Nutrition Forum Report, providing a valuable recap of key takeaways and serving as a resource for school meal program managers. You’ll also find blog posts drawing lessons from the past to build healthier food systems and exploring the wide-ranging benefits of investing in school meals. Plus, connect with us next month at the International Food Aid Showcase organized by partners in Washington, DC. See other upcoming events below!
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2024 Global Child Nutrition Forum Report Now Available
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The Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF) is pleased to announce the release of the 2024 Global Child Nutrition Forum Report, detailing the key discussions, insights, and actions that emerged from the Global Child Nutrition Forum (Forum). Held in Osaka, Japan, the Forum convened 408 participants from 82 countries for a four-day learning exchange. Participants included government leaders, policymakers, practitioners, and experts dedicated to improving school meal programs worldwide.
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School Meals at N4G and World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings
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N4G Coordinated Actions for Healthy Futures session leaders
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In March, GCNF and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) lead a joint session titled "Coordinated Actions for Healthy Futures" at the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit in Paris, France. The session highlighted the power of school settings to drive lifelong healthy habits.
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Heidi Kessler, Deputy Director of GCNF, presenting at the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings
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Last week at the 2025 The World Bank–International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., GCNF joined partners including the SDG2 Advocacy Hub, Sustainable Financing Initiative, The Rockefeller Foundation, and World Vision International for a powerful session titled "School Meals Programs- A Proven, Efficient, and Resilient Safety Nets". The session highlighted the urgent need for strategic investment and greater financial support in school meals. Additionally, the Sustainable Financing Initiative for School Health and Nutrition (SFI), an initiative of the School Meals Coalition, released recommendations for innovatively financing the expansion of national school meals programs around the world.
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School Meals Matter! Help Us Reach Our $10,000 Fundraising Goal
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The Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF) is proud to participate in GiveBIG 2025, a fundraising campaign hosted by Washington Gives to support nonprofits doing meaningful work around the world. GiveBIG 2025 will be held on May 6-7, with early giving starting on April 22. Our campaign aims to fundraise $10,000 to support the work of GCNF. Help us reach our goal by donating or sharing with your network.
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Featured GCNF Resource
School Meal Programs and the Environment
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While Earth Day has just passed, our planet needs continued commitment. Did you know that school meals can help pass along environmental values and teach children about sustainability? Explore GCNF's School Meal Programs and the Environment infographic to learn more!
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Spain Mandates Nutritious School Meals Under New Law Tackling Obesity
Nutrition Insight
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Spain is mandating that all schools serve five healthy meals weekly, regardless of income level, and barring junk food sales on campus. Minister Pablo Bustinduy’s royal decree, approved by the Council of Ministers, aims to ensure equal access to healthy food and develop healthy nutritional habits for children.
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Canada’s National School Food Program is Here!
Coalition for Healthy School Food (CHSF)
All 10 provinces and 3 territories, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), and many Indigenous schools will receive funds from the National School Food Program, which will be integrated into their existing school food program funding streams and accountability mechanisms.
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School Cafeterias: Can They Promote Food System Sustainability?
Steve Gliessman
The potential for serving more than calories is immense as we increase the focus on healthy food. From an agroecological perspective, the potential impact school food procurement programs can have in supporting local growers is even larger.
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Dropout and Retention Among School Children in the Context of the Mid-Day Meal Programme in India
Shivani Gharge, Sayeed Unisa
Achieving universal education in India is severely hampered by rising dropout rates and low retention rates among school-aged children. This study examines the effect of the world's largest school-feeding programme, the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) programme, on dropout and retention among schoolchildren in India.
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Sustainable Financing Initiative With Rockefeller Foundation Support Identifies Innovative Ways To Expand School Meals Worldwide
The Rockefeller Foundation, Sustainable Financing Initiative for School Health and Nutrition
New report lays out opportunities for and examples of innovative financing to support national, high-quality school meal programs, urging sustained and coordinated action.
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Relearning to Live Like My Great-Great-Grandmother: Embracing Heritage Climate-Smart Crops for Health and the Environment
Blog by Francis Mwanza, Mwinimunda (Guardian of the Garden) and Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF)
As the effects of climate change intensify, relearning to live like my great-great-grandmother is no longer a choice; it’s a necessity. By returning to the wisdom of the past, we can protect biodiversity, preserve the environment, and produce healthier food. These heritage crops, with their deep roots and ability to withstand harsh conditions, can help restore soil health, reduce erosion, and play a role in combating climate change.
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Reducing Hunger and Improving Focus: School Meal Programs at the Intersection of Nutrition and Education
Reflecting on Afshan Khan‘s remarks from the 2024 Global Child Nutrition Forum
Blog by Alissa Rutkowski, GCNF, in collaboration with the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement
At the 2024 Global Child Nutrition Forum in Osaka, Japan, Afshan Khan, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Coordinator of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, delivered remarks testifying to the multi-sectoral benefits and transformative power of investing in school meals.
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- 2025 Global Food Policy Report: Food Policy Research for a Brighter Future: Looking Towards 2050 | May 28th, 2025 | Learn more
- World Milk Day | June 1st, 2025 | Learn more
- World Food Safety Day | June 7th, 2025 | Learn more
- International Food Aid Showcase | June 10th, 2025 | Register here
- ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit | June 23rd-25th, 2025 | Learn more
- UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake | July 27th-29th, 2025 | Learn more
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