Abu Dhabi, UAE – A Federal National Council (FNC) member has urged the UAE government to accelerate the implementation of the National School Meals Initiative, which aims to provide free healthy meals to students in public schools.
The call comes amid growing concerns over childhood obesity, food equality, and the overall well-being of students.
Sumayya Al Suwaidi, a member of the FNC, raised the issue during a session on Wednesday, questioning the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCE) about the status of the initiative, which was initially planned to roll out in the 2023–2024 academic year.
Despite the ambitious goals outlined when the programme was announced, the pilot phase has yet to be implemented.
Health and Social Benefits of the Initiative
Al Suwaidi emphasized that the initiative is crucial in tackling rising obesity rates and ensuring social equality among students.
Citing a national survey conducted in 2017–2018, she highlighted that obesity rates among children and adolescents in the UAE stood at 17.35%, while adult obesity reached 27.8%. Additionally, nearly 60% of the UAE population was classified as overweight or obese.
“This initiative is not just about nutrition; it is a national necessity,” Al Suwaidi stated.
“Providing free, healthy meals will help address obesity, diabetes, and heart disease while also improving students’ psychological well-being. Moreover, it ensures that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to nutritious food at school.”
The initiative was originally announced after the UAE joined the School Meals Coalition, a global alliance of 70 nations committed to ensuring every student receives a healthy meal at school by 2030.
According to the coalition’s latest figures, over 418 million students worldwide benefited from similar initiatives in 2022.
Beyond the health and social advantages, the programme is also expected to boost the national economy.
When first proposed, the initiative aimed to source 70% of food supplies and 30% of its workforce from local producers, thereby strengthening the UAE’s agricultural sector and supporting domestic food security.
Ministry’s Response and Future Plans
In response to Al Suwaidi’s concerns, Dr Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, assured that the ministry is actively working on revising the National Food Security Strategy.
This update, she explained, would enhance the execution of relevant projects, including the school meals programme. “The Ministry is currently focusing on updating key policies to strengthen the impact of food security initiatives,” Dr Al Dahak stated in a written response.
“These updates will include enhancing the nutritional value of key crops in the national food basket and increasing the contribution of local production to meet domestic food needs while ensuring strict compliance with food safety standards.”
While no specific timeline was provided for the initiative’s launch, the minister’s response indicates a continued commitment to its implementation.
Growing Push for Healthier School Environments
The renewed call for action aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader push to promote healthy eating among students. The emirate’s education department has already enforced strict guidelines banning junk food in schools, a move welcomed by health experts and parents alike.
Al Suwaidi, along with other advocates, is pushing for swift action to ensure that the National School Meals Initiative is implemented in the current 2024–2025 academic year.
“We must move beyond promises and into action,” she urged. “This programme will shape the health of future generations.”
With childhood obesity on the rise and the need for equitable access to nutritious meals growing, many stakeholders are now waiting to see if the UAE will take decisive steps to make the initiative a reality.