Elisa Bandeira, Specialist in Strategic Processes and Liaison for Food Security and Nutrition at the FAO Representation in Uruguay.
Montevideo, December 15, 2024 – The Uruguayan government recently joined the Sustainable School Feeding Network (RAES). This network, composed of 17 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean, proposes a methodology – Sustainable Schools – for advancing sustainable school feeding programmes.
RAES is an initiative led by the Brazilian government through the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) and the National Fund for Educational Development (FNDE), with the executive secretariat provided by FAO. In addition to Brazil and Uruguay, the network includes Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Ecuador, Honduras, Guatemala, Paraguay, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Suriname. Together, these countries represent approximately 81 million students who could benefit.
RAES aims to create solutions for the challenges of school feeding based on the principle of the human right to adequate food. It promotes the Sustainable Schools methodology, which is innovative in the region and respects the unique characteristics of each country as a foundation for effective school feeding programmes.
The network encourages public procurement from family farming to boost short supply chains, educational school gardens, and a sustainable food system. It also fosters community involvement through designated spaces for social participation and intersectoral and inter-institutional coordination. Topics such as strengthening school infrastructure, providing healthy and culturally appropriate menus, and addressing nutritional needs are also key priorities.
As a regional network, RAES facilitates dialogue, communication, the exchange of experiences and best practices, and mutual support among countries. Its goal is to ensure that every school becomes a space for the development of sustainable school feeding programmes that guarantee the right to food, prevent malnutrition in children and adolescents, and positively impact households. Uruguay’s membership in RAES solidifies a collaborative effort that began in 2023.
School Feeding in Uruguay and RAES
In Uruguay, the School Feeding Programme of the General Directorate of Primary Education under the National Administration of Public Education (DGEIP-ANEP) has existed since the early 20th century. It provides meals in 2,200 public educational centers across the country, serving nearly 320,000 students. The food assistance adheres to national nutritional recommendations and includes quality and hygiene control for services provided in school cafeterias.
School feeding services are available for both primary and early childhood education and, more recently, for secondary school students. The progressive expansion of the programme, aligned with educational policies extending school hours, has positioned schools as key pillars for the nutrition and well-being of children and adolescents.
The programme also has great potential to promote healthy lifestyle habits that influence individuals’ educational and social development throughout their lives. In 2024, through an agreement between FAO, RAES, and the School of Nutrition of the University of the Republic, an institutional assessment was conducted to implement the Sustainable Schools methodology in selected educational centers that offer school meals.
This assessment addressed multiple components, including a preliminary analysis of the budget execution, intersectoral coordination, food and nutrition education (FNE), healthy menus, infrastructure, and direct procurement from local producers. The assessment highlighted the need to improve coordination among governmental actors and the community to support the implementation of Sustainable Schools. School gardens and FNE programmes showed potential to encourage healthy habits and community integration, although challenges remain in terms of funding and human resources.
Regarding school menus, the high prevalence of malnutrition, especially overweight and obesity, underscored the importance of monitoring students’ health and adapting food offerings. Infrastructure improvements, including maintenance and equipment upgrades, are needed, while direct procurement from family farming represents an opportunity to promote sustainability and local development.
Capacity-building processes and training demands for the stakeholders involved were also identified. A national implementation plan for the Sustainable Schools methodology was developed as an input to help educational authorities evaluate its adoption.
Since the meals and food provided in schools can play a crucial role in the population’s well-being, prioritizing this effort requires a commitment from the entire society. Educational centers are essential for the development of children and adolescents and for promoting lifelong healthy eating habits. Supporting countries’ efforts in school feeding policies contributes to ensuring well-being and rights for all, achieving Better Nutrition for everyone, leaving no one behind.
