Sustainable School Feeding Network (RAES) has expanded to include 17 countries across Latin America & the Caribbean after years fostering collaboration& to enhance school feeding policies and programs

​Photo: Najla Veloso Coordinator of the Project Regional Agenda for Sustainable School Feeding in Latin America and the Caribbean, from the Brazil-FAO International Cooperation Programme
 
After six years of fostering collaboration, the Sustainable School Feeding Network (RAES) has expanded to include 17 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting a shared commitment to enhancing school feeding policies and programs. Despite this progress, the network faces pressing challenges, including addressing rising obesity rates and the escalating costs of nutritious food.
 
As of November, countries such as Belize, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Paraguay, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, and Uruguay have joined this dialogue platform. The network facilitates technical assistance, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts to improve the reach and efficiency of school feeding initiatives.
 
This initiative is spearheaded by the Government of Brazil in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which acts as the network’s executive secretariat. Together, they aim to develop sustainable strategies for healthier school environments across the region.