The report provides interconnectedness between Education and Nutrition. It was published to coincide with the Nutrition for Growth summit hosted by France.
Complementarity between Nutrition and Education according to report
- Nutrition affects Education and learning. E.g. Integrated Child Development Scheme results in a 9% increase in completion of secondary school and 11% increase in completion of university.
- School Meals impact enrolment, attendance and learning: E.g. In the Indian state of Maharashtra, consumption of bio-fortified pearl millet improved attention and memory among adolescents.
- Nutrition impact Gender Equality and Justice: In India,PM-POSHAN resulted in positive enrolment impacts on girls and other disadvantaged groups.
- Education affects nutrition: Through intergenerational and individual choices. E.g. Educated mothers’ choices and individual status affect health and nutrition.
Recommendations:
- Transform nutrition education: Including food education in school curricula from early childhood to adult education.
- Place schools at the centre of efforts: Apply a whole-school approach that combines school meal provision, nutrition education, physical activity and extracurricular initiatives.
- Build professional capacity through education and training: Bridging gaps in knowledge and skills at all levels.
- Monitor the relationship between education and nutrition: Strengthen tracking of school meals and related health and nutrition programmes.
