School meal programmes: improving health and equity in the European Union

The Lancet Public Health 2026 Open access

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Authors: Patricia Eustachio Colombo, Jiri Svarc, Donald A. P. Bundy
DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(25)00303-2
Cited by: 0
References: 3

Abstract

In an era characterised by increasing income poverty and food insecurity as well as alarming rates of childhood obesity in Europe the importance of robust school meal programmes cannot be overstated. In this context, school meal programmes—particularly when offered for free or heavily subsidised—can reach school-aged children from all socioeconomic backgrounds, providing a nearly unparalleled opportunity to address these intertwined issues and more.1 Children from disadvantaged backgrounds benefit from school meals programmes most.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations Obesity Physical Activity Diet Poverty Education and Child Welfare

Publication details

Journal / source
The Lancet Public Health
Volume
11
Issue
2
Pages
e74–e75
Publication date
27 January 2026
Language
EN