The UN agency’s new global guidance on evidence-based policies and interventions shows that healthy eating at school can help children develop healthy eating habits for life.
“The food children eat at school and the environments that shape what they eat can impact a profound impact on their learning and lifelong consequences on their health and well-being” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO.
Eating habits start early
Childhood overweight, obesity and obesity are increasing globally, while undernutrition remains a persistent problem.
Levels of childhood obesity exceeded cases of underweight globally for the first time in 2025.
Last year, about one in ten school-age children and adolescents suffered from obesity, and one in five – or 391 million – were overweight.
Additionally, a recent WHO report found that diabetes now affects more than 800 million people worldwide and affects one in six pregnancies.
As of October 2025, 104 member states had policies relating to healthy school food, 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.
“Good nutrition in school is essential for preventing disease later in life and creating healthier adults.” said Tedros.
More legumes, less sugar
The WHO recommends increasing the availability of healthy foods and drinks while reducing unhealthy foods. This 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 choose healthier foods.
The organization will support countries with technical assistance, knowledge sharing and other collaborative measures, to implement the new directions.
