CARPHA Publishes New Nutrition Standards Guidance for Caribbean Schools

CARPHA and PAHO are strongly encouraging full adoption of these guidelines to help countries develop national standards for food providers in primary and secondary schools.

CARPHA is pleased to announce the release of its Technical Recommendations for the Development of Nutrition Standards for Caribbean Schools. This important publication supports the CARPHA/CARICOM Six-Point Policy Package, specifically policy option 2.1, aimed at creating healthier school environments across the Region.

The recommendations promote three core goals:

• Increasing access to healthy, nutrient-dense foods that support students’ optimal growth and development.
• Reducing the availability and consumption of foods and beverages high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium.
• Encouraging healthy eating habits to help prevent childhood obesity and address malnutrition in all its forms.

CARPHA and PAHO are strongly encouraging full adoption of these guidelines to help countries develop national standards for food providers in primary and secondary schools. The recommendations apply to all foods and beverages served, whether prepared on-site or off-site, sold or provided free of cost.

They can also support recipe development and guide purchasing decisions for processed and ultra-processed products, using the PAHO Nutrient Profile Model.

The publication covers five technical areas:

1. Nutrient and Meal Standards – daily nutrient needs, meal plans, and serving sizes.
2. School Nutrition Recommendations – guidance for fresh, processed, and ultra-processed foods.
3. School Food Service Practices – food safety, hygiene, marketing, and sponsorship considerations.
4. National Guidance for Providers – key instructions for school food service operations.
5. Roles and Responsibilities – outlining expected duties of Ministries of Health and Education, as well as school food service staff.

View the full publication on CARPHA’s website here. (CARICOM)