Public-Private Sector Engagement Program
The global landscape of school meal programs is complex and calls for flexible and collaborative approaches. Governments and private sector entities are both demanding strategies for connections. GCNF is here to bridge the gap.
GCNF’s public-private sector engagement program builds on GCNF’s trusted leadership, convening power, and knowledge-sharing expertise to responsibly engage private sector actors in school meal programs.
Why GCNF?
We offer a credible and nimble strategy, bridging gaps that other institutions – constrained by bureaucracies or broader mandates – cannot easily navigate.
GCNF’s strategy for private sector engagement is grounded in our mission to ensure school meals sustainably nourish all children and help them, their families, communities, and nations to thrive. This mission requires transparent, mutually beneficial public and private partnerships.
GCNF approaches private sector engagement with intention by:
- Prioritizing the health and nutrition of students over marketing and brand visibility
- Preventing over-reliance on the private sector
- Ensuring transparency with clear accountability mechanisms
Our Approach
1. Mediator of Public-Private Engagement:
With deep knowledge of the school feeding landscape and a reputation for impartial insights, GCNF is uniquely positioned to bridge interests, mediate tensions, and ensure that private sector engagement contributes meaningfully and equitably to sustainable, country-led school meal programs.
As a mediator for public – private sector engagement in school meal programs, GCNF:
- Identifies and delineate interests and opportunities
- Studies challenges and outline options for resolving them
- Structures dialogue and facilitates alignment
- Provides ongoing support—from initial engagement to long-term problem-solving
2. Knowledge Sharing:
GCNF synthesizes and disseminates knowledge in support of private sector engagement in school feeding. Through our Global Survey of School Meal Programs data, international convenings, and country experience, we provide insights into what works, where the needs are, and how companies can engage responsibly and effectively.
3. Addressing Research Gaps:
GCNF partners with governments, businesses, associations, NGOs, universities and others on key research questions that advance the world of school feeding. Current research includes a study of school menus using the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS), a case study on private sector engagement in a specific Latin American country, and analyzing the influence of institutional food procurement on nutrition and sustainable food systems.
Interested in Learning More?
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Are you a government, NGO, or university?
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