Investing in children, strengthening communities: Lebanon showcases school meals success at Global Summit

Click here to download the State of School Feeding Worldwide Report

Attendees will review during the two-day meeting progress since the first Global Summit in Paris in 2023 and to mobilize further action on school meal programmes worldwide.

Lebanon's school meals initiative, launched in 2016 with WFP's support, has expanded by ten-fold to over 107,000 children in 323 public schools from just 10,000 students in 22 schools. During last year's conflict that temporarily disrupted education, WFP adapted by reactivating school kitchens to support affected communities. Since the return to classrooms, school meals have resumed reaffirming the programme's role as a critical safety net for vulnerable children and families.

"School meals in Lebanon are implemented under the national School Health Program, reflecting our commitment to ensuring that every child has the right to quality education in a healthy and supportive environment," says MEHE's Minister, Her Excellency Dr. Rima Karami.

"Our goal is to ensure a holistic approach to education that supports every aspect of a child's development - physical health, mental well-being, social and academic growth. By integrating school meals into the School Health framework, we are not only improving children's nutrition and learning outcomes but also supporting families and strengthening community resilience in our beloved country, despite the severe crises we continue to face.

"This partnership with WFP and our donors is a cornerstone of our national strategy to safeguard the well-being and future of our children."

School meals programme in Lebanon is powered by local solutions that connect food, education, and community empowerment. Twelve WFP school kitchens-run by 201 women caregivers-now prepare daily meals for nearly 24,000 children, sourcing 92 percent of ingredients locally from 10 WFP-supported retailers and four small and medium businesses.

School meals also ease the economic strain on families, covering around 10 percent of a child's food. Beyond direct benefits, every US$1 invested in school meals in Lebanon generates up to US$20 in economic and social returns.

"School meals are a pillar of Lebanon's food security response, ensuring that children have access to nutritious food while supporting families at a time of economic hardship and other shocks. By linking schools with local farmers, women caregivers, and small businesses, the programme strengthens Lebanon's food system," says Matthew Hollingworth, WFP Lebanon Representative and Country Director. "We are honoured to be part of Lebanon's school feeding journey, working alongside the Ministry of Education whose dedication has been central to expanding this programme and shaping it into a true national effort."

Looking ahead to this school year and beyond, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and WFP share a vision to expand the programme further, reaching more public-school children while working towards its long-term sustainability.

Lebanon joined the Global School Meals Coalition in 2023, affirming its commitment to build a sustainable, nationally led school meals programme. For the upcoming school year, the programme is supported by WFP and backed by generous contributions from France, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Norway, Finland, and Germany.

According to the State of School Feeding Worldwide report launched on 10 September 2025, school meals are now the world's largest social safety net, benefiting 466 million children globally. Evidence shows school meals help keep children in school as well as improving learning outcomes, promoting healthier diets, generating jobs, and boosting local food systems.

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Notes to editors:

• The State of School Feeding Worldwide 2025 report was launched globally on 10 September 2025.
• In Lebanon, WFP works with MEHE, partners, and donor governments to deliver and strengthen school meals.

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About the World Food Programme (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 climate change.

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About the Summit
The Second School Meals Coalition Global Summit, taking place on 18-19 September in Brazil under the high patronage of the President of Brazil, will convene leaders from member states, regional bodies, UN agencies, international financial institutions, NGOs, philanthropies, research institutions, parliamentarians, municipalities, indigenous leaders, youth, and food systems coalitions. Guided by the Coalition's Taskforce, the Summit will showcase progress since the first Global Summit in Paris and mobilize commitments to strengthen and expand school meal programmes as a powerful policy tool to address today's global challenges.