The UAE has pledged to provide free meals to every student in its public schools by 2025. The first phase of this ambitious initiative will begin in the academic year 2023-24, and full-scale implementation is slated for 2024-25.
Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, the UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment, highlighted the critical importance of nutrition in children’s overall well-being and academic performance. Speaking at the Global School Meals Coalition in Paris, Almheiri emphasized, “We aim to shift from zero to 100 per cent in offering free, nutritious meals for all public school students in the coming two years.”
Research indicates a notable return on investment for school meals. For every dollar spent on providing these meals, an impressive nine dollars is saved in long-term costs. “Malnutrition early in life can lead to increased health complications, and thus higher medical expenses, and reduced economic productivity in adulthood,” Almheiri explained.
A significant aspect of the UAE School Meals initiative is its boost to the local economy. Almheiri confirmed that at least 70% of the food ingredients for the meals would be locally sourced. This decision is aimed at benefiting local farmers and creating job opportunities, especially in low-income communities near schools.
With the UAE set to host the COP28 this year, food systems and their transformation will be a focal point. The country’s dedication to sustainability was evident when it launched its COP28 Food Systems and Agricultural Agenda earlier in July. The comprehensive strategy seeks to bring about a global shift towards more sustainable food systems.
At the Paris meeting, other countries, including Burundi, Egypt, Iraq, Luxembourg, and Tajikistan, also made commitments to enhance their school meal programs.
Founded in 2021, the School Meals Coalition, consisting of 70 nations, is on a mission to guarantee that every child globally has access to a nutritious school meal by 2030. With 75 partners from various sectors, including the UN, civil society, the private sector, and academia, the coalition is working diligently towards this goal.