The UN agency’s new global guidance on evidence-based policies and interventions shows that healthy foods in schools can help children develop lifelong healthy eating habits.
“The foods children eat at school and the environments that shape what they eat can have an impact profound impact on their learning and lifelong consequences for their health and well-being”said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO.
Eating habits start early
Overweight, childhood obesity and obesity are increasing globally, while malnutrition remains a persistent challenge.
Childhood obesity levels surpassed cases of underweight worldwide for the first time in 2025.
About one in 10 school-aged children and adolescents lived with obesity last year, and one in five (391 million) were overweight.
Furthermore, a recent WHO report revealed that diabetes currently affects more than 800 million people worldwide and one in six pregnancies.
As of October 2025, 104 Member States had policies related to healthy school meals, but only 48 countries had policies restricting the marketing of foods high in sugar, salt or unhealthy fats, according to the WHO.
For the millions of children who spend much of their day at school, the food environment they are exposed to can shape their future eating habits.
“Achieving proper nutrition at school is critical to preventing future illness and creating healthier adults.Tedros said.
More legumes, less sugar
The WHO recommends increasing the availability of healthy foods and drinks while reducing unhealthy foods. That means limiting free sugars, saturated fats and sodium, while offering more whole grains, fruits, nuts and legumes..
Other recommendations include implementing ‘nudge interventions’ – changes to food packaging, placement or portion sizes designed to encourage children to select healthier foods.
The organization will support countries with technical assistance, knowledge sharing and other collaborative measures to implement the new guidance.
