Reaching vulnerable groups through school food: insights from Professor Manuel Franco

Schools are powerful places. They are one of the most important environments where children learn, grow, and develop lifelong habits, including how they eat and care for their health. Yet, not all students start from the same place. As one of the Belgian partners in SchoolFood4Change, a consortium spanning 12 European countries committed to making healthy, sustainable food a right for every child, Rikolto is working to address these inequalities.

To understand the impact of SchoolFood4Change, on vulnerable groups, we spoke with Professor Manuel Franco, a social and urban epidemiologist at the Basque Centre for Climate Change. His research on urban health, food insecurity, and chronic diseases offers valuable insights into how school food programs can support vulnerable groups, improve public health, and strengthen local efforts through initiatives like the European Child Guarantee.

How do you define vulnerable groups within the SchoolFood4Change project, and why is this an important aspect of the project?

The SchoolFood4Change (SF4C) project includes, among its objectives and actions, a strong focus on engaging and reaching out to vulnerable groups. However, the way we define vulnerable groups varies across countries and cities. This is one of the first challenges we encounter in Europe. In addition, there is a lack of sufficient data on who these vulnerable groups really are.

So who do you typically include in that definition?

Most often, we refer to low-income families, household that fall below a certain threshold in terms of income and wealth. But we also include migrants, refugees, and single-parent households. Across Europe, these groups are generally at greater risk of food insecurity.  

And how does the project work to reach those families?

Because SF4C works directly with schools, we focus on those located in low-income neighbourhoods, where vulnerable families often live. Within these schools, we try to identify and reach out to those families most in need of support.  

What role can Whole School Food Approaches play in addressing broader health and social inequalities among children in Europe?  

While the projects are important, policies at the local, regional, and national levels are even more crucial. They play an important role for several reasons. First, malnutrition remains a significant problem among vulnerable groups. We know from studies across many cities that children from high-income families generally face fewer issues with malnutrition. It’s important to note that malnutrition isn’t just about poor diet quality, it also includes childhood obesity. Therefore, we need to focus on protecting and promoting the health of children who are most in need.

That brings us to the second issue. Without free and universal school meals, low-income families often struggle to provide meals for their children. Even when they manage, it places additional financial strain on them. The real question becomes, who bears the cost of food when a family is already struggling to make ends meet?  

So, would you say that free school lunches play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable groups?

Yes. When free school lunches, or even breakfasts, are available, children from the most vulnerable households are more likely to attend school and stay there longer. Staying in school as long as possible is crucial for these children, as school is not just a place for learning; it’s a safe space where they can receive nourishment, engage with others, and access a higher level of education. Education, of course, is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty.

How can schools and municipalities better respond to the nutritional needs of vulnerable children?  

Addressing nutritional needs start with having reliable data: not only on child poverty or which families are in need, but also on the actual nutrition and dietary habits of these children, including any obesity-related or nutrition-related issues. It’s essential that we map food insecurity accurately at all levels, from cities and neighbourhoods to regions and entire countries. However, the data describing the reality of these vulnerable groups is often not readily available from governments or research institutions. Instead, third-sector organizations like UNICEF, Save the Children, EDUCO, and the Red Cross tend to have the most accurate and up-to-date insights. That’s why it’s essential to collaborate with them, involve them in policy discussions, and work together to effectively engage and support these vulnerable groups.  

Why is it so important to gather accurate data on children's diets and health?

This is fundamentally a public health and epidemiological challenge. To address it, we need the best possible data on children’s diets, food insecurity, diet quality, and overall dietary patterns across Europe. However, we must acknowledge that the most vulnerable children, the ones who are often at greatest risk, are typically underrepresented in health surveys. As a result, it’s crucial that we make a joint effort to reach these children and ensure that their experiences and needs are accurately reflected in our data.

What are according to you the main challenges in implementing Whole School Food Approaches specifically for vulnerable groups?  

One of the biggest challenges we face, is that we don’t fully understand the reality of these vulnerable groups. In many cities and regions across Europe, we lack a clear picture of where these communities are or what their specific needs entail. Our educational system and social services must be equipped to understand and respond to this reality, as vulnerable groups are an integral part of our society. It’s essential that we acknowledge their presence and understand their struggles, because we can't afford to leave anyone behind due to a lack of awareness.

So, what’s at stake if we don’t address these issues?

A healthy diet is essential for overall well-being, and school meal programs play a key role: not only in improving children’s health, particularly for those from vulnerable backgrounds, but also in supporting more sustainable food systems. It is a win-win. By acknowledging and addressing this issue, we have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference on two fronts: enhancing public health, and promoting sustainability. In that sense, it’s a powerful two-for-one investment in both people and planet.

How can European initiatives, such as the European Child Guarantee, help strengthen local efforts on the ground?

It is crucial that the European Child Guarantee translates into real action at the local level. The main challenge is ensuring that it doesn’t remain just a policy on paper, but becomes a concrete reality implemented by local governments and municipalities. For the European Child Guarantee to succeed, both national and local authorities need to commit not only funding but also genuine political will. This is where the true challenge lies: turning a promising framework into meaningful, everyday support for the children who need it most.