General information only. This Parent Resource summarizes WHO policy guidance for school food environments.
Why does WHO focus on schools?
WHO notes that children spend a substantial part of their day at school and that school food environments can influence dietary habits and health over time.
What is a whole-school approach?
WHO describes an approach in which food and beverages provided in schools and available across the wider school food environment support healthy diets.
What kinds of policy measures does WHO recommend?
WHO recommends standards or rules that increase availability, purchase and consumption of foods and beverages that support healthy diets while limiting unhealthy options.
What are nudging interventions?
WHO describes nudges as changes to factors such as placement, presentation or price that can encourage healthier selections without presenting them as individualized dietary prescriptions.
School policy is not an individual diet plan. Nutritional needs can differ by age, health, culture and other circumstances.
References
- World Health Organization. WHO urges schools worldwide to promote healthy eating for children, 27 January 2026.