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Healthy school food environments are crucial for developing lifelong healthy eating habits in children and addressing the global rise in malnutrition, according to new guidelines released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in January 2026.
The Double Burden of Malnutrition
Globally, childhood overweight and obesity are increasing, while undernutrition remains a significant concern. This “double burden of malnutrition” presents a major public health challenge. Recent data indicates that in 2025, approximately one in ten school-aged children and adolescents – around 188 million – were living with obesity, exceeding the number of children who are underweight for the first time. WHO reports this alarming trend underscores the urgent need for intervention.
WHO’s Whole-School Approach
The WHO is advocating for a “whole-school approach” to ensure that all food and beverages available in and around schools are healthy and nutritious. This encompasses not only school meals but also vending machines, school stores, and food served at school events. dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasizes that the food children consume at school significantly impacts their learning and long-term health. He stated, “Getting nutrition right at school is critical for preventing disease later in life and creating healthier adults.”
Key Recommendations from the WHO Guideline
The WHO guideline focuses on two primary recommendations:
- Setting Standards: Establish clear standards or rules to increase the availability and consumption of healthy foods and beverages while limiting unhealthy options. This includes defining what constitutes a “healthy” food and beverage based on nutritional criteria.
- Nudging Interventions: Implement “nudging” strategies to encourage children to choose healthier options.These interventions can involve changes to the placement, presentation, or pricing of food choices.Such as, placing fruits and vegetables at eye level or offering a small discount on healthy snacks.
The Importance of Implementation and Monitoring
The WHO stresses that simply having policies in place is insufficient. Effective implementation and consistent monitoring are essential. As of October 2025, according to the WHO Global database on the Implementation of food and Nutrition Action (GIFNA), 104 Member States had policies on healthy school food. However, only 48 countries had policies restricting the marketing of foods high in sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats.
Supporting Implementation at All Levels
The guideline is designed to be adaptable for both national and local implementation, recognizing the crucial role of subnational and city authorities in driving school food initiatives.The WHO will provide technical assistance,knowledge-sharing,and collaborative opportunities to support member States in adopting and implementing the guideline. A
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