School nutrition, the key to improving the stature of Vietnamese people

(Dan Tri) - School meals are not just a daily meal. From the experiences of Japan, Germany, the European Union to typical models in Vietnam, this is gradually becoming a long-term investment strategy for a healthy Vietnam.

On August 14, the International Scientific Conference “For a Healthy Vietnam – For Vietnamese Stature” organized by the Central Propaganda and Education Commission in coordination with the Ministries of Health, Education and Training; Vietnam Television gathered managers, nutritionists, scientists at home and abroad to share experiences and propose solutions to improve the quality of school nutrition. The common point in the presentations: School nutrition is not just about school meals, but a national strategy, linked to the future of the nation.

Mr. Nguyen Trong Nghia, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Head of the Central Propaganda and Education Commission, gave a speech at the workshop (Photo: TT).

Mr. Nguyen Trong Nghia, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission attended and delivered a speech at the workshop.

Lessons from leading countries

At the workshop, Japan was mentioned as a “golden model” in improving school meals. For nearly a century, from the time of facing post-war famine to the period of food surplus, Japan has always maintained an independent nutrition policy, separate from health and food policies. The School Lunch Law (1954) and the Shokuiku Law (2006) have made school lunches part of a comprehensive education – where children learn to eat healthily, appreciate food, understand culinary culture and the environment.

Sharing the story of Europe, Dr. Philipp Rösler – former Vice Chancellor of Germany – emphasized that about 70% of a child’s brain development occurs before the age of 5, and micronutrient deficiencies such as iron and iodine during this period can seriously affect cognition and learning ability. Proper nutrition not only helps prevent obesity and diabetes but also promotes social justice, ensuring that all children have equal opportunities to develop.

He particularly emphasized the role of fresh milk – a source of calcium, phosphorus and high-quality protein – in helping to form bones, develop intelligence, enhance memory and protect teeth. The German Nutrition Association recommends that each child should consume 200–250g of milk or dairy products per day.

Former Vice Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Philipp Rosler spoke at the Workshop (Photo: TT).

In Germany, the German School Meal Quality Standard (DGE) has been in place since 2007, guiding a varied menu that prioritizes whole grains, lean proteins, limits sugar and salt, and uses healthy fats. Adhering to this standard increases cognitive performance by 10%, improves bone density, and reduces the risk of obesity when replacing sugary drinks with milk.

In addition, the European Union's School Milk, Vegetables and Fruits programme currently benefits more than 20 million children per year in 27 member states, with a budget of €220.8 million (€100 million for milk and €120.8 million for vegetables). Products are prioritized from local, seasonal sources, combined with experiential educational activities such as tasting and farm visits, to form healthy eating habits and understanding of sustainable food.

Other international experts also brought new perspectives. Prof. Vimal Karani (UK) introduced the field of nutritional genomics – personalizing diets based on genetic characteristics – as a potential approach to preventing obesity and metabolic diseases right from the school environment.

Practice and policy in Vietnam

According to Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Tri Thuc, a balanced and scientific nutritional regimen will help children grow taller, healthier and smarter; help young people and workers have endurance, improve productivity and work efficiency; help the elderly maintain health and limit diseases. On the contrary, nutritional deficiencies or imbalances will lead to serious consequences: stunted and malnourished children; adults are susceptible to chronic diseases...

School meals at Son Ca Kindergarten (Photo: THT).

Realizing the importance of this, the Party and the State have issued many policies to improve the nutritional status according to the characteristics of each subject, locality, region and ethnicity. With the participation of the entire political system, the business community and the people, Vietnam has been recognized by the international community as a "bright spot" in improving nutrition.

Data shows that in the period 2010-2020, the average height of 18-year-old Vietnamese youth increased significantly: males increased by 3.7 cm, females increased by 2.6 cm. The rate of stunting in children under 5 years old decreased from more than 30% to less than 19.6%, a rate of decrease faster than the average of the Southeast Asian region.

However, challenges remain: in ethnic minority areas, the rate of stunted children is still over 30% (nearly double the national average); in large cities, the rate of overweight and obese students has nearly doubled in a decade, surpassing the 20% threshold.

Sharing the same view, Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai Thoa, Full-time Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Society, said that the system of policies and laws on school nutrition is still inadequate. Legal documents directly regulating this field are not yet legally effective, mainly in the form of instructions from ministries and branches. Up to now, there has not been a comprehensive document regulating school nutrition for unified and synchronous implementation; the national set of school nutrition standards has not been issued, leading to a lack of a solid legal basis for organization and monitoring of implementation. In addition, policies to support children and students in disadvantaged areas and ethnic minorities still have many shortcomings.

Directions for the future

From the presentations at the workshop, many experts said: In order for school nutrition to become the foundation for the health and intelligence of the young generation, Vietnam needs to perfect the legal framework, focus on building a Law or a set of national standards on school nutrition, clearly specifying food portions, quality, and safety, associated with physical education.

Along with that, it is necessary to expand the beneficiaries, gradually universalize nutritious school meals for all children, prioritizing disadvantaged areas and ethnic minority areas.

In addition, it is necessary to mobilize social resources, create a public-private partnership mechanism, and encourage businesses and organizations to invest together. Thereby contributing to enhancing education and communication, turning school meals into a "lesson" on health, environment and culture.

Delegates attending the workshop (Photo: TT).

In his concluding remarks and direction at the workshop, Mr. Nguyen Trong Nghia, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission, emphasized: The workshop is a practical activity to implement the Party and State's guidelines and policies and the orientation of General Secretary To Lam on building a healthy Vietnam, where all people can live long, healthy, healthy and happy lives; human resources are physically, mentally, intellectually and morally healthy.

To realize the goal of "For a healthy Vietnam - For Vietnamese stature", comrade Nguyen Trong Nghia suggested that after this workshop, relevant ministries, branches, localities, especially the Central Propaganda and Education Commission, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and Training continue to thoroughly grasp, deeply and comprehensively perceive and synchronously implement the Central's strategic policies and decisions on national construction, development and protection in the new period.

Special attention is paid to thoroughly grasping and organizing the implementation of two Resolutions that have been approved and prepared for promulgation by the Politburo: Resolution on breakthroughs in developing modern national education; Resolution on breakthroughs in strengthening the protection, care and improvement of people's health, meeting the requirements of national development in the new era. These are fundamental resolutions, creating a unified whole in thinking and action to implement strategic breakthroughs in developing high-quality, highly-qualified human resources.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/dinh-duong-hoc-duong-chia-khoa-cho-nang-tam-voc-nguoi-viet-nam-20250814185201427.htm