The National School Nutrition Policy, recently tabled in the Senate and approved by Cabinet, marks a significant step forward in the nation’s fight against childhood obesity and malnutrition.

The policy’s comprehensive approach — spanning all levels of schooling and involving the ministries of education, health and wellness, agriculture, and other stakeholders — deserves commendation.

Yet, as we look to global best practices, it is clear that embedding trained nutritionists in schools, as done in Japan, could further amplify the policy’s impact and ensure sustainable, measurable health gains for Jamaican children.

Japan’s school lunch programme stands as a global benchmark for effective, evidence-based intervention. At the heart of this success are trained nutritionists who design balanced menus, educate students and families, oversee food safety, and collaborate with local farmers to source fresh, seasonal produce.

The results are striking. A Japanese study found that a 10 percentage point increase in school lunch coverage led to a 0.37 percentage point reduction in overweight and a 0.23 percentage point reduction in obesity among junior high school boys within a year. For context, if 10 per cent of boys are overweight, this translates to a 3.7 per cent drop — a significant public health gain.

The effect is especially pronounced among children from lower socio-economic backgrounds, helping to bridge health disparities. Japanese school lunches also improve overall nutrient intake, ensuring children receive essential vitamins and minerals, not just calories.

With over 99 per cent of public elementary and junior high schools offering school meals, Japan boasts one of the lowest childhood obesity rates in the developed world.

Jamaica’s National School Nutrition Policy aims to limit sugary and ultra-processed foods on school premises; expand breakfast offerings; strengthen links with local farmers; mandate nutrition education across the curriculum; and foster partnerships with families, vendors, and communities.

The Government’s investment of more than $1 billion this year to provide breakfast for 69,000 students — with a goal of reaching 200,000 — demonstrates a serious commitment to improving child nutrition. These actions align closely with the Japanese model’s emphasis on universal access and community involvement.

While Jamaica’s policy includes consultation with nutritionists and promises ongoing training for staff, the Japanese experience shows that having nutritionists directly involved in menu planning, food safety, and nutrition education is critical for sustained success.

The policy’s multi-sectoral framework reflects international best practice. Effective collaboration is essential to source local, nutritious produce; support Jamaican farmers; integrate nutrition education into the national curriculum; and monitor and enforce food standards in schools.

Implementing such an ambitious policy will require sustained investment, robust monitoring, and ongoing public engagement. Ensuring that rural and under-resourced schools receive equal support is crucial. A phased approach to hiring nutritionists — starting with the most vulnerable schools — could allow for careful evaluation and scaling.

This policy is a commendable leap forward. Let’s build on this momentum — together — for the health of our children and the future of our nation.