School food choices driving childhood obesity in Jamaica and the Caribbean, PAHO warns

The food children eat at school is shaping lifelong health habits, contributing to rising obesity rates and diet-related diseases in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has warned.

PAHO officials highlighted that food environments in and around schools, including canteens and nearby vendors, strongly influence children’s diets. Ultra-processed snacks high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats are widely available, while nutritious options like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains remain limited.

“Children are constantly exposed to foods that crowd out healthier choices, shaping taste preferences and eating habits from a young age,” said a PAHO spokesperson. “This exposure increases the risk of obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) later in life.”

Lunchroom Lines Reflect a Wider Problem

Fourteen-year-old Kayli, a student in Kingston, often skips home-packed meals, relying instead on what is available at school. On a recent lunch break, she chose a cinnamon bun with cheese, spicy tortilla chips, and a fruit-flavored soda — a meal typical of many students across Jamaica.

Her mother, Joanna, said it is difficult to encourage home-cooked meals due to a lack of school facilities for heating or storing food safely. “Even if I prepare meals for her, it’s not always practical or safe for school,” she explained.

PAHO notes that such structural limitations, combined with the constant marketing of ultra-processed products, make it challenging for children to establish healthy eating habits.

Childhood Obesity: A Growing Public Health Crisis

Childhood obesity is one of the most pressing public health challenges in the Caribbean. Globally, diet-related NCDs account for 74 percent of deaths, and in Jamaica, they remain the leading cause of mortality.

PAHO officials emphasize that improving school food environments is critical to reversing these trends. “Schools that provide appealing, nutritious foods make it easier for children, families, and staff to make healthier choices,” the organization said.

Policy Measures to Promote Healthy Eating

To tackle the issue, the Government of Jamaica has implemented a special consumption tax (SCT) on sugar-sweetened beverages. PAHO welcomes the measure and notes that global evidence shows taxing sugary drinks is a cost-effective way to reduce consumption and lower diet-related disease risk.

The organization also recommends:

• Setting clear nutrition standards for school meals
• Restricting the marketing of unhealthy products to children
• Using pricing strategies to make nutritious foods more affordable
• Implementing clear front-of-package warning labels (FOPWL) to help consumers identify products high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats

“Front-of-package labels serve as a simple, effective tool to guide healthier choices and reinforce other food policies,” PAHO said.

For families like Kayli’s, clearer labeling and stronger school food policies could make a significant difference. “If it’s hard for me to read and understand the labels, imagine how much harder it is for Kayli,” her mother said.

Without coordinated action from governments, schools, and public health organizations, PAHO warns that children will continue to face limited access to nutritious options, perpetuating unhealthy eating habits and increasing the risk of obesity and NCDs.