THE Heart Foundation of Jamaica (HFJ) is commending the ministries of education, skills, youth & information and health & wellness for the recent approval of the National School Nutrition Policy as a white paper, which it sees as a significant step forward in promoting the health and well-being of Jamaica’s children.

“This bold and progressive move signals a renewed commitment to creating healthier school food environments by prioritising proper nutrition and reducing children’s exposure to foods high in added sugar, salt/sodium, and unhealthy fats,” the foundation said in a statement Wednesday.

“The HFJ, a long-standing advocate for improved public health policies, recognises the vital role that this policy will play in safeguarding the health of future generations and curbing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.”

Dr Andrene Chung, chair at the HFJ, extended congratulations to ministers Dana Morris-Dixon and Dr Christopher Tufton on this landmark achievement.

“The approval of the School Nutrition Policy as a white paper demonstrates that the Government is listening to the science and prioritising the health of our children. Schools should be safe spaces where healthy choices are the easy choices,” she said.

The HFJ said it is anticipating speedy approval by Parliament, in order to be implemented in schools. The body said it has been actively engaged in advocacy and education around healthy food environments in schools while remaining committed to supporting the successful implementation and monitoring of this policy.

“We at the HFJ stand ready to work with all stakeholders—including school administrators, parents, food and beverage manufacturers, agro-processors and our policymakers—to ensure that this policy translates into real change on the ground,” the statement said.

“We now urge the Government of Jamaica to move swiftly toward the full passage and implementation of the National School Nutrition Policy. Timely action is crucial to reverse the rising rates of childhood obesity and ensure every Jamaican child has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in a healthy school environment.

“We recognise the vitality of this policy in the broader fight against childhood obesity and the development of lifelong healthy habits. As a nation, we must continue to invest in, and protect, the health of our children for the sustainable development of Jamaica as a whole.“

The long-awaited policy was considered and approved by Cabinet on April 7.

“This policy has been in train for a long time and I’m so very happy…that we’re finally at this point where we can bring to Jamaica the national school nutrition policy, which will change the way our children get their meals in schools and the entire apparatus around school nutrition,” Dr Dixon said following the Cabinet approval.