About

School Meals Coalition

Over 100 member countries and more than 160 partners working together to improve and scale up school meals worldwide

Government-led and partner-supported, the School Meals Coalition is an example of a new generation of multilateralism, joining forces and working together to improve the quality, sustainability and scale of national school meals programmes.

The Coalition aims to break silos and pool resources by sharing best practices, experience, information, and technical support. Through a multisectoral and holistic approach, it addresses implementation challenges while strengthening evidence for decision-making.

The world's largest & most widespread social safety net

Almost 50%
Almost half primary school children worldwide get school meals

School meals are one of the largest & most widespread social safety nets for children & families worldwide.

466 million
Number of children receiving school meals

Nearly 80 million more children are now receiving school meals through government-led programmes than in 2020 — a 20% increase that brings the global total to 466 million children pre-primary, primary and secondary schoolchildren.

60% more
Children reached in low-income countries

In the past 2 years, low-income countries increased the number of children receiving school meals, as governments increasingly recognise school meals as a critical investment in children’s wellbeing & national development.

$84 billion
Annual funding for School Meals

Global funding for school meals has more than doubled, rising from US$43 billion in 2020 to US$84 billion in 2024, with 99% of this funding now coming from national government budgets.

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Actions

Solutions for progress on a global scale

The School Meals Coalition drives global change through a collaborative approach and strategic initiatives. It champions evidence-based solutions, challenging traditional dynamics for progress on a global scale.

National commitments

Partner efforts

Regional networks

Initiatives

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Events

Join the Coalition on the global stage and at events worldwide to advocate for every child to have the opportunity to receive a healthy, nutritious school meal by 2030. 

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Stories

Explore stories and interviews showcasing successful implementation of national school meal programmes and the positive impact on children and their communities.

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Newsletter

Read the School Meals Coalition Newsletter today to receive the latest updates and invaluable resources on school meals.