Lebanon launches first national assessment of nutrition and food environments in public schools

Link to full report

BEIRUT - Lebanon has launched this week its first National Nutrition and Food Environment Report in Lebanese Public Schools. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education led the assessment in coordination with the Agence française de développement (AFD), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Orthodox Christian Charity. 

Covering all governorates, the assessment examines students’ nutritional status, dietary practices, nutrition knowledge, purchasing behaviours and physical activity, alongside the food environment in and around schools. Its findings provide a national evidence base to guide policies and programmes that support children’s nutrition and long-term wellbeing.

The assessment identifies a growing burden of overweight and obesity alongside poor dietary diversity, including low consumption of nutritious foods and high consumption of sweetened beverages, fast food and ultra-processed foods. More than half (57 percent) of students did not meet the Global Dietary Recommendations.

The assessment found that foods not permitted under existing guidance were widely available and that unhealthy foods and beverages were marketed to children through physical and digital channels. Nearly one in five students reported having no snack or money to buy food during the school day. Limited household purchasing power was also noted as a contextual constraint.

Marco Luigi Corsi, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon highlighted that: “This assessment sends a clear message: children are not making food choices in isolation. Their diets are shaped by the foods available in and around schools, the products marketed to them, the opportunities they have for physical activity, and the broader conditions in which families live. Creating healthier school food environments requires coordinated action across government, including the Ministries of Education, Public Health, Agriculture, Economy and Trade, and Social Affairs. It also calls for stronger policies, legislation and enforcement to protect children from unhealthy food marketing and improve the foods available to children, so that healthier choices become the easier choices for every child in Lebanon.”

Students in schools supported by the school meals programme were more likely to meet dietary recommendations, and food outlets in participating schools showed better adherence to nutrition standards. Caregivers reported that school meals helped children try nutritious foods, eased household costs and increased their enjoyment of school.

“This national assessment gives Lebanon a clear evidence base for action. When nutritious school meals are paired with nutrition education and healthier school food environments, they can help children learn, thrive and reach their full potential. WFP remains committed to working with the Ministry and partners to expand sustainable school meal programmes that reach the most vulnerable children and strengthen local food systems,” said Allison Oman Lawi, WFP Lebanon Country Director and Representative.

“A healthy meal at school supports children’s health, helps them attend school regularly and gives them better conditions to learn. France is working alongside Lebanon and its partners to help turn school meal initiatives into a lasting national policy, led by Lebanese institutions and focused on the most vulnerable children. This assessment is an important step towards that goal,” said H.E. Patrick Durel, Ambassador of France to Lebanon.

“Norway commends the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s leadership in strengthening Lebanon’s education system. Education is a development priority for Norway and a source of strength and pride for Lebanon. 

“The launch of this national assessment marks an important step toward a sustainable school feeding programme and reflects the close cooperation between the Ministry of Education, World Food Programme, and UNICEF. Ensuring national ownership and sustainability remains central to these efforts, and we are proud to support them.” said Hilde Haraldstad, Norwegian Ambassador to Lebanon and Syria.

The Director General of Education, Mr Fadi Yarak, delivered remarks on behalf of Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Rima Karami. She described learning as a holistic process shaped by children’s health and social circumstances, and school feeding as integral to education quality and equitable learning, in line with the Strategic Vision for Educational Renewal 2040.
She cited the emergency expansion of the programme to around 150,000 students as evidence that coordinated action can reach more children. The Ministry aims to gradually extend it to all public schools through hub schools with central kitchens, alongside technical and vocational education. She also highlighted schools’ role in connecting health, mental health and social services with vocational institutes, care centres, local producers, families and communities.

Minister Karami announced a consultation process to develop a national school feeding policy, alongside updated rules for food and beverages in schools, greater integration of health and well-being into curricula, and a framework for private-sector partnerships. She thanked France, Norway, WFP, UNICEF, AFD, other donors and partners, and the Health and Environmental Education Unit. She concluded that what is built in schools today will grow with children and shape Lebanon’s future.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, WFP, and UNICEF extend their sincere appreciation to Canada, Finland, France, Germany (BMZ), Italy, Norway, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and Sweden for their generous support and commitment to advancing school health and nutrition in Lebanon. Their contributions have been instrumental in generating evidence, strengthening school meal programmes and supporting broader efforts to ensure that children across Lebanon have access to healthier food environments and the opportunities they need to learn, grow and thrive.

About WFP 

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of weather extremes.