School Meals: A Global Success Story | The Strategic Value of Investing in Children’s Futures

Drawing on insights from The State of School Feeding Worldwide 2024 report, we examine the remarkable expansion and effectiveness of government-led initiatives that are reshaping the future for millions of children. Key highlights include: Over 466 million children now benefit from school meals globally — a 20% increase in just four years. Low-income countries have increased coverage by 60% in two years, demonstrating a strong commitment to child welfare. Funding has more than doubled, reaching $84 billion in 2024, with the majority provided by national governments. We answer why school meals are far more than a social safety net. They represent a strategic response to global challenges — enhancing educational outcomes, strengthening food systems, and addressing hunger and malnutrition. We also discuss how domestic investment ensures the sustainability of these programmes and contributes to national development across all income levels. Finally, we highlight the pivotal role of the School Meals Coalition and the World Food Programme in driving this global progress. Read the report on https://www.wfp.org/publications/stat...