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Global food insecurity is a growing risk that has been compounded by climate change, conflict and economic instability. Meanwhile, obesity rates have surged due to food production practices, the marketing of unhealthy dietary patterns, and sedentary lifestyles. Part of a series exploring education’s interrelationships with other Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), this paper explores the critical intersection of education and nutrition. It advocates for a systemic, life-cycle approach to both sectors, aiming to enhance the global nutritional landscape.

Investment in education is a core strategy for achieving SDG 2, namely, zero hunger. Education develops skills and informs choices for improved nutritional outcomes. Transforming food systems – addressing industry challenges and fostering sustainable farming – requires advanced skills gained through higher education, effective farmer training and the expertise of skilled professionals.

At the same time, food security and improved nutrition amplify educational achievement. Adequate early childhood nutrition is fundamental for growth, educational attainment and overall well-being. Educational settings that offer nutritious school meals and experiential learning opportunities help orient individuals to pursue dietary choices that benefit both personal health and planetary sustainability. Sustained public awareness campaigns throughout adulthood, coupled with the expertise of nutrition and health professionals, are crucial for fostering a comprehensive shift towards healthier nutritional practices.

Despite the clear interdependencies, the linkages between education and nutrition remain under-researched. In addition to monitoring indicators for health and nutrition outcomes robust monitoring of the effectiveness of school meal programmes is crucial.

This report is the result of a partnership with the Research Consortium for School Health and Nutrition led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. It is the second in a series of publications by the GEM Report aimed at advancing research and monitoring of the inter-relationship between education and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the first of which was on the climate.