Advancing school nutrition: Wales rethinks meals, Ukraine builds hubs

As countries around the world strive to improve children’s health through better access to nutrition and more diverse diets, Wales and Ukraine are taking action in their school systems. Wales is consulting experts on reforming school meals to support balanced diets and well-being, while Ukraine is expanding kitchen hubs to strengthen school nutrition services. 

Wales’ new proposals seek to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and limit sugary desserts and fried foods. The government says it is reviewing school food nutrition regulations to ensure access to nutritious food and drink, aligned with UK dietary guidelines.

“Good nutrition is vital for helping young people perform at their best — whether in the classroom, on the pitch, or pursuing their goals. Our evidence-based changes to school food rules will help give Welsh children the best start in life while supporting Welsh producers and nurturing a generation of healthy eaters to safeguard the future of our NHS,” says the cabinet secretary for education, Lynne Neagle.

“Schools and catering teams across Wales are already working hard to provide nutritious meals for our children and young people. We want to build on the good work already happening to further ensure every child in Wales has access to healthy food This is why I want to hear from parents, teachers, suppliers, and young people.”

Primary schools under review

The Welsh government reveals that one in four reception-aged children are categorized as overweight or obese.

“Public Health Wales welcomes these proposals for primary schools. We know from the evidence that school food standards can positively impact children’s health and well-being when used alongside a range of approaches. Strengthening these regulations is a vital step to ensure school food supports lifelong healthy eating habits,” comments Rachel Bath, consultant in public health for Public Health Wales.

“We know there is work to do to give all children access to nutritious meals alongside food education and positive dining experiences. These changes not only support children’s health but also contribute to a more sustainable food system and local economy.”

Additionally, the government says it is taking action to make healthier choices easy and accessible. The Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales strategy seeks to review regulations on school food nutrition, starting with primary schools.

(Image credit: Ukrainian government).“With continued collaboration and clear oversight, school food can be a powerful driver of long-term health and well-being in Wales,” adds Bath.

Ukraine boosts kitchens for children

Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, calls for better conditions for children’s education by using state subsidies to upgrade kitchen facilities.

She visited three educational sites where kitchen facilities were modernized, along with representatives of the Regional Military Administration, the Ministry of Education and Science, the school nutrition reform team, and the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative.

The government highlights the success of a hub kitchen for school nutrition at Dubove Lyceum. The village modernized the kitchen hub using state subsidies, which also prepares meals for three other educational institutions.

“The conditions in which our children study and spend their time are important. And within the framework of the reform, every responsible community already can and must improve them — all the necessary resources are available. I urge educational institutions to take advantage of the state subvention and upgrade their kitchen facilities to ensure high-quality nutrition,” says Zelenska.

On visiting the Volyn Regional Lyceum with Enhanced Military and Physical Training, she notes 60–70% of its graduates choose a path of service in Ukraine’s defense every year. “Providing the best for our defenders and our children is our shared responsibility — one that the school nutrition reform helps fulfill.”

The head of the training facility stated that the full modernization of kitchen facilities and canteens in seven educational institutions would be completed by the end of the year.

The government reveals that 270 kitchen facilities have been upgraded and two culinary hubs have been established since 2020.

“A systematic approach to monitoring expenditures and risks is also a critical part of the reform — without it, the reform simply cannot succeed,” Zelenska concludes.

In other updates, Jamaica has secured children’s nutrition with new healthy school meal regulations, while Spain has mandated that all schools serve five healthy meals each week, regardless of income level, and prohibited junk food sales on campus.

Mexico also banned school junk food to tackle the obesity crisis and instead promotes healthy alternatives, such as regional and seasonal plants without added sugar or salt.