WFP welcomes pledges by over 40 governments to expand national schools meals programmes

FORTALEZA, Brazil - As the 2nd School Meals Coalition Global Summit concludes, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes pledges by over 40 governments made in the last two years to expand their national school meal programmes, bringing the world closer to ensuring every child receives a nutritious meal in school by 2030.

As host of the School Meals Coalition Secretariat and the lead UN agency supporting governments in building sustainable national programmes, WFP works with governments to build sustainable national school meal programmes, helping countries strengthen food systems, improve children's nutrition, and invest in future generations.

Hosted under the high patronage of His Excellency Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, and co-chaired with France and Finland, the School Meals Coalition Global Summit showcased the rapid growth of the School Meals Coalition. Launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that caused extensive disruption to education worldwide including children's access to school meals, the Coalition has become one of the fastest-growing multilateral platforms, now counting 111 governments and around 150 partners, including 19 new governments, 4 regional bodies, and 46 partners joining in the past two years.

"We know that well-fed children mean good health," said Vice-President of Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin, during his speech at the opening of the Summit. "We must support good public policies so that children can develop. There is no better choice than choosing children, education and health through school meals."

At least 466 million children now receive school meals through government-led programmes worldwide- an increase of 80 million, or 20%, over the past four years, according to the latest edition of WFP's flagship report, State of School Feeding Worldwide. Two in every three children who started receiving school meals between 2022 and 2024 were in Coalition member countries, demonstrating the Coalition's role in accelerating progress.

New commitments from over 40 countries in the last two years will expand access even further, with a significant share coming from low- and lower-middle-income countries where the needs are highest. This reflects growing recognition that school meals are a high-impact investment in children's health, education, and national development.

As part of this year's summit, around 50 governments shared Voluntary National Reviews outlining progress, challenges, and support needs. These reviews highlight member states' accountability and achievements.

"School meals are so much more than just a plate of food," said Cindy McCain, WFP Executive Director. "They open up a world of education for vulnerable children, and help transform national education, health and food systems. WFP's role as Secretariat to the School Meals Coalition is to help governments turn political will into sustainable programs, and we urge every nation to come work with us. Together, we will create a future of learning, hope and opportunity for every child - no matter where in the world they live."

The Summit connected political commitments with practical tools and partnerships to accelerate programme delivery. Other key highlights included:

Evidence-based policy guidance: The Coalition's Research Consortium presented new findings showing school meals deliver some of the highest returns in human capital.

Sustainable financing support: The Coalition's Sustainable Financing Initiative moves from developing strategies to actively supporting governments in implementation.

Data and accountability: WFP's State of School Feeding Worldwide report and the updated School Meals Coalition Global Database make national data accessible for governments, researchers, and partners.

The School Meals Civil Society Organizations Steering Group and Network formally endorsed a new set of Joint Commitments to the Global Summit with strategic priorities for the next two to three years.

"The Coalition was built by governments, for governments, during the largest hunger and education crisis in history," said Carmen Burbano, WFP Director of School Meals and Social Protection and Director of the School Meals Coalition Secretariat. "In just four years, it has become one of the strongest multilateral movements of our time-proof that when countries unite, they can rewrite the story of an entire generation."

Governments and partners now turn commitments into action: scaling nationally-led programmes, securing sustainable financing, and integrating school meals into education, health, and food systems policies. Looking ahead, the Coalition aims to reach 150 million more children by 2030, aligning with the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. Through its role as Secretariat, WFP will support governments with data, technical expertise, and evidence to launch, scale, and sustain programmes over time, reducing reliance on aid while ensuring that every child receives a healthy, nutritious meal.

WFP extends its deep gratitude to the Government of Brazil for hosting this pivotal Summit and for its longstanding commitment to advancing school meals. WFP also acknowledges the steadfast leadership of the Coalition's co-chairs, France and Finland, whose vision and coordination have been instrumental in driving global momentum and ensuring inclusive, government-led progress.

Note to editors:

Governments who have announced national commitments since 2023: Bangladesh, Benin, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chile, Cuba, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Finland, Guinea, Guinea Bisau, Haiti, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Jordan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Liberia, Luxembourg, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Pakistan, Peru, Republic of Congo, Republic of Korea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Slovenia, Somalia, Suriname, Sweden, Tanzania, Uganda, Ukraine and Yemen.

New member states and regional bodies who have joined the Coalition since 2023: Belize, Djibouti, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Paraguay, Republic of Korea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Slovenia, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Uruguay, Yemen, and regional bodies like the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Outcome statement of the 2nd School Meals Coalition Global Summit

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

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ABOUT THE SCHOOL MEALS COALITION

The School Meals Coalition is a network of over 100 governments and over 140 partners committed to school meals. It drives actions to urgently improve and scale up school meal programmes to ensure that every child can receive a healthy, nutritious meal in school by 2030.

For more information, visit: https://http://schoolmealscoalition.org

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