Andrene Chung | School Nutrition Policy White Paper a step in the right direction – Now let’s see action

JAMAICA HAS taken a significant step toward protecting the health and wellbeing of its children with the recent approval of the National School Nutrition Policy as a White Paper. The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth & Information (MOESYI) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) are to be commended for this milestone, which signals a commitment to transforming the food environment in schools across the island.

Though the move is worthy of applause, we must not pause here. The real victory will come only when the policy moves beyond this white stage and is fully implemented and enforced in every school – from urban centres to rural districts.

A LONG-AWAITED STEP FORWARD

The approval of the policy comes at a crucial time as Jamaica continues to grapple with a growing epidemic of childhood obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The 2017 Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) reported that 23.3 per cent of Jamaican students age 13-17 are overweight or obese, and that childhood obesity in Jamaica increased by 68.3 per cent over seven years, with three out of 10 children age 13-17 being overweight or obese. Many are regularly consuming sugary drinks, salty snacks and highly processed foods that set the stage for lifelong health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.

Children spend the majority of their waking hours at school – a place that plays a central role in shaping lifelong eating habits. By setting standards for the food and beverages offered and sold in these institutions the Government is making an investment in the future health, academic performance and productivity of the next generation.

WHAT THE POLICY PROMISES

The National School Nutrition Policy lays out a comprehensive framework aimed at creating healthy, supportive school environments. Key provisions include:

• Nutrition standards for meals, snacks, and beverages provided in schools;

• Limits on marketing unhealthy foods and sugary drinks to children on school grounds;

• Integration of nutrition education into the curriculum;

• Support for school gardens and local food sourcing;

• Training for school food vendors and canteen operators.

These measures are designed to promote healthier eating habits and reduce children’s exposure to products that are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.

TURNING POLICY INTO PRACTICE

Yet, the approval of the White Paper is only the beginning. The next – and most critical – step is the adoption of the final policy followed by a national roll-out. Implementation must be timely, consistent, and supported by the necessary resources and regulations.

There is no time to waste. Every day of delay is a day that children continue to be exposed to unhealthy food choices in the very spaces where they should be learning how to thrive. We urge the Government of Jamaica to finalise the policy and establish clear guidelines, enforcement mechanisms, and monitoring systems. This includes capacity building for school administrators, concessionaires and vendors, public education campaigns and strong coordination among ministries and agencies.

COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY

The successful implementation of this policy cannot rest solely on the shoulders of the Ministry of Education. It will require partnership and commitment across all sectors of society.

• Parents and caregivers must demand healthier options and reinforce good eating habits at home.

• Teachers and principals must be equipped to support nutrition education and model positive behaviours.

• Food manufacturers and distributors must act responsibly and align with national health goals, especially in their interactions with schools.

• Civil society has a critical role to play in raising awareness, monitoring compliance and holding decision-makers accountable.

A FUTURE WORTH FIGHTING FOR

This policy is more than a school matter – it is a public health imperative. Poor nutrition in childhood not only undermines learning and concentration but contributes to chronic diseases that place a heavy burden on families and the national health system. Jamaica cannot afford to let this policy sit dormant. Now is the time to move from words to action. Let us seize this moment to turn a promising document into real change on the ground.

We commend the MOESYI and the MOHW for their leadership and foresight. The approval of the White Paper is a step in the right direction, but the road ahead must be paved with swift, coordinated, and sustained action. We urge the Government 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.

Only then can we truly say we are doing what is right – for the health of our children and for the future of our country.

Dr Andrene Chung is a consultant cardiologist and chair of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica. Send feedback to ghapjm@gmail.com and to editorial@gleanerjm.com