New campaign pushes for healthier meals in Jamaican schools

From left: Dr. Simone Spence, Director of the Health Promotion and Protection Unit, Ministry of Health and Wellness; the Hon. Krystal Lee, State Minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness; Dr. Suzzanne Soares-Wynter, Clinical Nutritionist, Caribbean Institute for Health Research (CAIHR); Mrs. Deborah Chen, Executive Director, Heart Foundation of Jamaica; Mrs. Barbara McGaw, Project Manager, Global Health Advocacy Project/Heart Foundation of Jamaica; Mr. Ian Stein, PAHO/WHO Representative for Jamaica, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands; Mrs. Terry-Ann Thomas Gayle, Chief Education Officer (Acting), Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth & Information; and Mrs. Paula-Anne Porter-Jones, Chairperson of the launch event, share a photo moment with students of Port Morant Primary School during the launch of "The Time is Now” media campaign in support of Jamaica’s National School Nutrition Policy, held at the Terra Nova Hotel.

Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information joined the Heart Foundation of Jamaica and other partners today for the launch of “The Time is Now” media campaign, which supports the National School Nutrition Policy (NSNP). The event, held at the Terra Nova Hotel, marks a significant step in Jamaica’s efforts to address childhood obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among young people.

Recent data show that over 23% of Jamaican students aged 13–17 are overweight or obese, underscoring the urgent need to create healthier school environments. The NSNP seeks to reduce students’ exposure to ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks while promoting access to nutritious options that support their growth, development, and long-term well-being. Recognizing the critical role schools play in shaping healthy habits, Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, emphasized the Ministry’s support for the campaign.

“We are at a critical juncture. Supporting ‘The Time is Now’ campaign allows us to set a new standard for how we care for our children’s health. By helping schools become safe spaces for healthy eating, we are investing in the well-being and future success of our students. The National School Nutrition Policy is a significant step forward, and the time to act is now,” she said.

The campaign will be rolled out across television, radio, print, social media, and outdoor advertising. It aims to raise public awareness, educate parents, students, and educators, and build broad support for the full implementation of the NSNP as part of Jamaica’s long-term strategy to reduce childhood obesity and NCDs. During her keynote address, Mrs. Terry-Ann Thomas Gayle, Chief Education Officer (Acting) of the Ministry, emphasized the importance of education in promoting healthy lifestyles, noting that it surpasses awareness.

“This campaign is more than just awareness. It is about changing culture, especially the way we think about food, the way we prepare it, and the way we provide it for our children. It is about ensuring that the food environment in our schools reflects the healthy future we want for our country. Healthy eating must not be a luxury or an exception; it must become the norm for every child, every school, and every community,” she said.

Mrs. Thomas Gayle further reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to investing in the health of the students.

“When we invest in the health of our children, we invest in the future of Jamaica. The Ministry of Education is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Heart Foundation of Jamaica in this campaign. We are proud to lend our voice and our commitment to this effort, and we are determined to make healthy eating a part of our culture, for the sake of every student and for the prosperity of our beloved nation.”

Mrs. Deborah Chen, Executive Director of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, emphasized the significance of the partnership between the Heart Foundation and the Ministry.

“The partnership with the Ministry of Education is critical to the success of the National School Nutrition Policy. They are the main partner; they have the responsibility for the education system, and the children are in their care for most of the year. Along with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, it’s a partnership through which we must work together to achieve our goals,” she said.

Running over six weeks, the campaign combines compelling visuals, real-life stories, and clear messaging to inspire action among parents, school leaders, policymakers, and the wider public. It reinforces the urgent need for healthy school nutrition and encourages everyone to contribute to a positive, lasting impact on children’s health.

The Ministry of Education remains the key implementing arm of the National School Nutrition Policy, actively supporting initiatives that promote healthy eating and the well-being of Jamaica’s youth. Through collaboration with partners like the Heart Foundation, the Ministry continues to lead efforts to ensure every child has access to nutritious meals, laying the foundation for a healthier, stronger future for the nation.