Nutrition action in schools: a review of evidence related to the nutrition-friendly schools initiative

Overview

The Nutrition-Friendly Schools Initiative (NFSI) was developed in 2006 to provide a framework for ensuring integrated school-based programmes which address the double burden of nutrition-related ill health and to become the nutrition module of the Health Promoting Schools. The NFSI has since been used around the world, including as a self-appraisal tool for schools in 18 countries, in national NFSI programmes and as part of academic research and evaluation projects.

The NFSI Framework outlines 26 essential criteria within five broad components:

• school nutrition policies,
• awareness and capacity building of the school community,
• nutrition and health promoting curricula,
• supportive school environment for good nutrition, and
• supportive school nutrition and health services.

This review summarizes the synthesized evidence from 117 reviews identified as relating to the five components and the 26 essential criteria of the NFSI. The findings may be used ‒ in conjunction with existing UN and WHO guidance and tools ‒ to inform the work of governments, policy-makers and researchers concerned with school-based health and nutrition promotion programmes and initiatives.