In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the significance of school meal programs has been thrust into the spotlight, revealing their crucial role not only in education but also in children’s nutrition and broader societal impacts. A recent study published in *Frontiers in Nutrition* (translated from French as *Frontiers in Nutrition*), led by Sylvie Avallone of the MoISA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro, IRD in Montpellier, France, delves into the multi-sectoral value of these programs, using France as a case study. The findings underscore how school meal programs can drive agricultural and food transitions toward sustainability, creating ripple effects across various sectors.
School meals in France represent a substantial economic value, amounting to €8.2 billion annually, with €2.8 billion dedicated to food purchases. The study highlights the impact of recent legislative measures, such as the EGAlim and Climate and Resilience laws, which mandate that school canteens offer at least one vegetarian meal per week and source at least 50% of their products sustainably. “These laws represent a potential support of €1.4 billion for more sustainable agriculture,” Avallone notes, emphasizing the economic incentive for farmers and food producers to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
The shift towards sustainable sourcing and vegetarian options not only supports agricultural transitions but also contributes to food education. School canteens become a platform for children to discover new types of food, fostering awareness of environmental and agricultural challenges. “School canteens offer a unique opportunity for food education,” Avallone explains, “allowing children to discover new types of food, notably with vegetarian menus, and can contribute to preventing childhood obesity by reducing exposure to ultra-processed foods.”
Beyond nutritional and educational benefits, school meal programs play a pivotal role in social inclusion. By providing subsidized meals for disadvantaged children, these programs help bridge the gap in access to nutritious food. However, disparities persist due to the cost of meals, dietary restrictions, or the presence of a parent at home. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring equitable access to the benefits of school meal programs.
The study’s findings suggest that school meal programs can generate significant multi-sectoral value, encompassing education, nutrition, agriculture, and social inclusion. As Avallone and her team argue, these programs support the transition to more sustainable food systems, benefiting future generations. The economic value of these programs, coupled with their potential to drive sustainable practices, makes them a powerful tool for shaping the future of agriculture and food systems.
As the world grapples with the urgent need for sustainable practices, the insights from this study offer a compelling case for the role of school meal programs in driving agricultural and food transitions. By creating multi-sectoral value, these programs not only support children’s nutrition and education but also contribute to the broader goals of sustainability and social inclusion. The research published in *Frontiers in Nutrition* serves as a call to action for policymakers, educators, and food producers to leverage the potential of school meal programs in building a more sustainable future.