A universal school meal programme for Bhutan?

PC: Kuensel

Bhutan’s Model: Nourishing Minds and Bodies Beyond the Classroom

Recent news by Kuensel on the school feeding programme reignited something that I had almost forgotten for a long time. I wrote a quick blog post titled Society, Food and maybe even economics 14 years ago and I think it still remains relevant.

88,784 students benefitted with atleast one free school meal under the government’s school feeding programme in 2023. This makes up about 60% of Bhutanese school children enrolled across all public primary to secondary schools including ECRs, special institutes and schools with SEN. A total of 148,934 students were enrolled across these schools in 2023 which means if it covered another 60,150 students, we would have effectively put in place a universal free school meal policy. The impact of the school feeding programme extends far beyond immediate satiety. It’s an investment in healthier, more productive citizens, shaping their cognitive development, academic achievement, future potential and more.

Stunted growth, a stark indicator of malnutrition, plagues millions globally. Following some painful experiences not too long ago, Bhutan bolstered its defense with fortified rice program and nutritious school meals, aligned with WFP guidelines. While it has been an important factor in increasing school enrolment, the success in averting repetition of the unfortunate incident demonstrates the government success in improving children’s well-being and a significant one at that. I do not share any evidences of how the impact has resulted in fewer school days missed, better learning, and contributed more meaningfully to society. But there are ample cases elsewhere to believe, this investment in health translates to economic gains.

Beyond School Walls: Addressing Inequalities and Empowering Mothers

However, the challenge extends beyond school gates. For many, particularly in day schools, packed lunches become socioeconomic markers. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds may face exclusion and anxiety due to lesser meals (nutrition wise), both from an affordability point of view as well as inaccessibility with poor knowledge of preparation, hindering their academic and social integration. A few observant teachers despite the overwhelming number of students to observe, have noticed students coming to school without their lunch boxes in the past. Short term measures need long term support to prevent missed cases.

Furthermore, while parents share responsibility, it is most common that the burden of preparing these lunches often fall unfairly on mothers, especially with both parents working. This perpetuates the gender gap, limiting their opportunities. A free school meal could empower mothers to pursue their aspirations while ensuring their children’s well-being. It also affords more time for mothers to invest time in their own well-being.

Shifting Food Habits for a Sustainable Future

School meals can also introduce positive dietary changes. Bhutan’s dependence on rice for carbohydrates presents a challenge of our own creation and which needs and could be addressed in the medium to long term. By introducing diverse, locally grown options, children adapt to a more sustainable food basket, benefitting their health, the environment and ofcourse our own food growers.

Investment with Long-Term Returns

Concerns about affordability are valid. Yet, the cost of inaction is far greater. School meals reduce illness-related absences, leading to a healthier, more productive workforce, and especially against a lower birth rate and population concerns. This translates to economic gains and reduced healthcare costs.

Looking outwards, countries like Finland, Estonia, and Sweden provide free meals to students already. There are also many more countries with targeted policies in place like Bhutan’s policy but there are ongoing discussions on expanding it, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic experience. Then there are also a few countries with no free meal policies.

We can all agree that investing in free school meals is about cultivating a brighter future. It empowers children, bridges the gender gap, and builds a more equitable society. The initial cost is an investment in a healthier, more productive nation, reaping rewards for generations to come. A universal policy of atleast one free nutritious school meal aligns well with existing policies and could augment investments in the future generation.

Update Feb 7, 2024:

A BBS report 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝗮𝗽 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘀 has highlighted concerns around nutrition and health of our young students.

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