Free Healthy Meals Transform UAE Schools

Free Healthy Meals in UAE State Schools – Support for Healthy Living and Social Equality

The educational system of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is on the brink of a new and significant initiative that aims not only to promote healthy eating but also to strengthen social equality. UAE leaders are advocating for the introduction of free healthy meals in state schools to prevent the rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as to support students' mental health. This initiative not only addresses health issues but also contributes to the development of sustainable eating practices.

The Need for Healthy Meals

In the UAE, obesity and health challenges are increasingly major issues, especially among the youth. A national survey conducted in 2017-2018 revealed an obesity rate of 17.35% among children and adolescents, while for adults, the rate is 27.8%. About 60% of the UAE population is overweight or obese, which has serious health and social consequences. Unhealthy eating and lack of physical activity contribute to these problems, affecting not only individual quality of life but also increasing the burden on the healthcare system.

Abu Dhabi's education authority had previously introduced a healthy eating policy, prohibiting the sale of unhealthy foods and beverages in schools. However, this step alone is insufficient for a long-term solution. Hence, a national program has been proposed to provide free healthy meals to students in state schools.

The National School Meals Initiative

The National School Meals Initiative aims to ensure that by 2025 every state school student has access to free and healthy meals. Announced by the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, this initiative comes after the UAE joined the School Meals Coalition, which comprises 70 member states. The coalition’s goal is to offer one healthy meal in schools to every student by 2030. By 2020, 388 million students benefited from such programs, and this number increased to 418 million by 2022.

The UAE initiative not only aims to promote healthy eating but also supports the local economy. Initially, the ministry planned for 70% of the initiative's resources to be sourced locally, strengthening the national economy. Additionally, the program aims to reduce food wastage and encourage sustainable eating practices.

The Social Impact of the Initiative

A member of the UAE Federal National Council (FNC) highlighted that the program not only brings health benefits but also strengthens social equality. Free meals ensure that every student, regardless of their family background, has access to healthy food. This is especially crucial for families struggling with food security.

The initiative not only aims to prevent obesity and chronic disease but also to enhance young people's mental health. Healthy eating can improve students' concentration and academic performance while reducing stress and anxiety.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Although the pilot program was originally planned for the 2023-2024 academic year, it has not yet begun. Attention was drawn to the ministry's efforts to launch the program in the 2024-2025 school year. The Minister of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, in a written response, stated that the ministry is currently working on updating the National Food Security Strategy. This includes reviewing roles and responsibilities, and developing projects to increase the contribution of local production to food supply while adhering to food safety standards.

According to the minister, updating the strategy can help achieve national goals and enhance the effectiveness of program implementation. Supporting local production brings economic benefits and reduces dependency on food imports, contributing to the country's food security in the long run.

Conclusion

The UAE National School Meals Initiative is an ambitious and multifaceted program that aims not only to promote healthy eating but also to support social equality, local economic growth, and the development of a sustainable food system. If successfully implemented, it can have a significant impact on UAE society and its healthcare system, serving as an example for other countries. Nurturing healthy generations and strengthening social equality not only influences the UAE's future but can also contribute to global sustainable development goals.