The first comprehensive national assessment of nutrition and food environments in Lebanese public schools has revealed worrying figures. They reflect the scale of the social and economic crises hitting the country.
The results show that more than a third of morning-shift students do not eat breakfast. Two-thirds had eaten no fruit the day before the survey. Overweight and obesity are widespread, and unhealthy food is easy to find in school settings.
The most shocking findings are serious warning signs. Children as young as 8 have started smoking. About 12% of students are in the labor market, including full-time work.
The figures on daily living are harsh. The average daily allowance for a child is about 57,000 lira, less than one dollar. About 2% of students arrive with no food, either before or during school. Another 12% have no snack and no money to buy food.
The report also covers the Ministry of Education’s plan, which runs until 2040. It rests on three linked pillars: school meals, life-skills education and awareness, and a better school food environment. The aim is to protect children from chronic diseases.
