Brasília, Brazil, August 5, 2024 – The Sustainable School Feeding Network (RAES) will take an important step towards its consolidation in the region with the holding of a virtual event for the adhesion of Latin American and Caribbean countries on August 23 at 10 a.m. (Barbados Time). During the event, there will also be a discussion on the next actions of the RAES Network.

RAES is an initiative launched in 2018 by the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) in partnership with the National Fund for Educational Development of the Ministry of Education (FNDE/MEC), with the secretariat of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The event will present the adhesion document and the ‘Joint Declaration of Commitment for Advances in School Feeding Policy in Latin America and the Caribbean’. The meeting will be attended by representatives from FNDE, ABC, FAO, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), as well as governments of Latin American and Caribbean countries through institutions that execute their school feeding programmes.

The objective of the RAES Network is to promote dialogue, exchange experiences, and share lessons learned on solutions to school feeding challenges under the principle of the human right to adequate food, in a joint and participatory manner with the countries of the region.

Since its implementation, at least 26 Latin American and Caribbean countries have participated in RAES initiatives, contributing to the fight against hunger, poverty reduction, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over the years, RAES has strengthened school feeding at the regional level, supporting the governance of programmes at the national level.

The importance of school feeding

School feeding programmes play a leading role, contributing to the cognitive and social development of students. In Latin America and the Caribbean, about 85 million students benefit from this important public policy, especially those in situations of social vulnerability. However, there are about 170 million students in the region, and expanding coverage with the goal of universality is a major challenge.

Recent United Nations data indicate that 41 million people are in a situation of undernourishment in the region, which underscores the importance of these programmes. In addition to providing adequate food in schools, they also support local development through public procurement of food from family farming and promote the formation of healthy eating habits through food and nutrition education actions.

The adhesion of countries to RAES seeks to collectively strengthen school feeding programmes to address current problems and challenges, especially in the context of international movements such as the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, launched in July 2024 by the Government of Brazil within the G20 framework.

More information:
Event: Adhesion of Latin American and Caribbean countries to RAES
Date: August 23
Time: 10 a.m. (Barbados Time)
Link to participate: https://fao.zoom.us/j/96686347547?pwd=lXU3PPebcEPmS33BCxMeFoPo0WZa23.1
Meeting ID: 966 8634 7547
Meeting passcode: 64971907
Broadcast: Youtube UNFAO
There will be interpretation available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.