Why it Matters
School meals more than pay for themselves. They improve attendance and academic performance, and allow kids to develop healthy and productive lives for themselves and their communities.
- 0MillionMillion
people are undernourished globally, an increase of ~150M since 2019
- 0%%
of children in pre-school have micronutrient deficiencies
- 90xx
return on investment in longterm individual and community impact for every dollar invested in school meals
- Report
True Cost of Food: School Meals Case Study
School meals provide critical nutrition for 30 million children and their families across America. When children have their basic needs met, they are healthier and they learn better. For them, school meals often provide the healthiest food they have access to each day and a foundation for their wellbeing and long-term success.Download PDF
Impact Stories
- Rosaline Gitau grew up never having enough to eat, and it impacted her education and future. Her daughter was headed down the same path--until a school lunch disrupted generational poverty.
- Arlethia Brown’s groundbreaking work at the Camden City School District unites schools with local growers to stimulate the economy, lift up sustainable farm practices and bring fresh, nutritious food to the lunchroom.
- School lunches impact student and community health, educational outcomes, and even future economic stability. But there are challenges. Some 244 leaders from 44 countries gathered at the Global Child Nutrition Forum a few months ago to discuss solutions.
- Want to know what climate change looks and sounds like? Visit Josephine Kadenyi Karani’s home at dinner time.
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