Navigation of food security in schools

As food security becomes an increasing concern worldwide, ensuring that children from urban and rural schools receive nutritious and safe meals are essential in the Caribbean, especially in Jamaica. With a population of more than 2.8 million people, the Jamaica school system plays a central role in the health training of its future generations. However, disparities in food security and nutrition between rural and urban schools remain, presenting unique challenges that require immediate attention.

Food safety in Jamaican schools

Food security in schools is an urgent problem, especially since dangerous foods are an important contributor to foods of food origin, children being particularly vulnerable. The recent closure of the Cornwall College canteen by the public health authorities in February 2025 stressed the importance of maintaining food security in schools. The closure was caused by unsanitary conditions and violations of food management at the school canteen. This incident served as a brutal reminder of the need for schools, in particular those whose food service systems such as canteens, Tuck stores and commissioners, strictly adhere to food security standards to protect the health of students.

Rural VS Urban: Food access and security

The landscape of food access and security in Jamaican schools varies considerably between rural and urban areas, each presenting its unique challenges and advantages.

Rural schools::

Rural schools can have better access to ground provisions such as yam, sweet potato and cassava at a reduced cost due to the proximity of agricultural communities and markets. This access to fresh, affordable and culturally relevant food options can support a nutritious diet for students. However, although food can be cooler, challenges such as limited storage infrastructure, inconsistent water supply, insufficient refrigeration and supply and supply chain problems can create food security risks.

Rural schools are also faced with the challenge of more inconsistent access to resources such as specialized training necessary for food managers, which can cause inappropriate food processing practices. While rural areas can have abundant fresh foods, ensuring that food is prepared and safely stored remain a permanent concern.

Urban schools::

Urban schools, on the other hand, often have better access to suppliers of institutional foods which are able to provide regulated and standardized food products. These schools can also have more advanced infrastructure for storage and preparation of food. The National School Nutrition Policy (NSNP) and the School Food Program (SFP) are more easily implemented in urban areas due to the proximity of government resources and support.

However, urban schools can be faced with challenges in the provision of a variety of local foods and cultural relevance in meals, often based more on processed foods or imported products. The urban school framework can also mean a greater exposure to sellers of external food products in the school environment, which raises concerns concerning food security in the absence of regulations for street food sellers.

Sell ​​outdoor schools: an increasing concern

In addition to the closure of the Cornwall College canteen, the dangers of non -regulated food products were highlighted in October 2023 when 60 schoolchildren were hospitalized after consuming CEOs with a school seller. This incident highlights a critical problem – sales of unregulated food near schools. Many street sellers operate without the necessary licenses or health certifications, which can compromise food hygiene and health standards and increase the risk of foods of food. Students often buy food from these sellers during breaks or after school, ignoring potential health risks posed by poor manipulation of food and unsanitary conditions.

Given the popularity of food sellers outside schools, local authorities must intensify efforts to regulate street food sellers and ensure that they comply with the required safety standards. This could involve regular inspections, health certifications and the creation of safe areas for food sales, where hygiene practices can be monitored more effectively.

National nutritional policies and new initiatives

Jamaica’s national nutritional policies, including NSNP, aim to improve the quality of foods provided to school students. The NSNP, which was written in August 2023, focuses on the guarantee of balanced and nutritious dishes that meet global food security standards. However, the policy is currently being revised, improving its scope to include directives for food storage, dry storage, cold storage, meal production, directives for preparation and cooking, requirements for establishments (canteens, Tuck stores, etc. so that the real objective of the policy is carried out, its implementation will require a collaborative approach between all stakeholders, as food security is each.

Practical advice for parents, schools and children

Given the continuous challenges concerning food safety and nutrition, here are some practical steps that parents, schools and children can take to ensure the safety and well-being of students:

For parents:

1. Promote healthy and safe meals at home: parents must prioritize the purchase of fresh and local foods, including fresh vegetables, soil provisions and lean meats, while avoiding processed foods rich in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.

2. Pack the safe and nutritious lunches: when preparing school lunches, make sure they are packed in isolated containers to maintain food temperatures and prevent deterioration.

3. Teach food security: educate children about the importance of washing their hands before eating and potential risks associated with the purchase of food from unregulated sources, such as street sellers.

For schools:

1. Provide regular food security training: schools should provide continuous training to food managers to ensure that they follow the latest food security guidelines.

2. Monitor food storage and preparation: schools must invest in appropriate food storage facilities, such as refrigerators and freezers, and regularly check food suppliers to comply with food security standards.

3. Engage students in nutritional education: schools should promote an environment where students learn a healthy diet, food security and the impact of good nutrition on their overall health.

For children:

1. Avoid street food: Encourage children to avoid buying food from unregulated sellers outside the school doors.

2. Wash your hands regularly: instill good hygiene practices in children, like washing your hands before meals to avoid the spread of foods of food.

The way to follow: a call for action

While Jamaica continues to refine its national nutritional policies, it is necessary to make more to ensure that food security standards are coherent in rural and urban schools. Parents must also play an active role in promoting safe food management practices, both at home and in school environments. With good education, resources and the application of regulations, Jamaica can work to create a healthier and safer future for its children.

About the author

Allison Richards is a communicator of food security and the founder of The Food Safety Girl, a consumer awareness platform dedicated to the promotion of food security in Jamaica. She is also the host of The Big Bite Food Safety Show, a radio program that educates listeners on food security problems. With more than 14 years of experience in food security regulations, Allison is passionate about the empowerment of consumers and stakeholders in the industry to make enlightened choices that protect both health and the environment.