The government is developing a national policy to promote healthier eating in Anguilla’s schools and address childhood obesity challenges.
The move comes as preparations are made to introduce free school meals at the secondary level next year, building on the existing programme for primary school pupils.
Social development minister Shellya Rogers-Webster described the policy as “a top priority” during a government press conference on 12 October.
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She said technical consultants from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) were in Anguilla from the 6 to 9 October.
Their visit aimed to help the government to strengthen school nutrition standards, promote healthier eating habits among pupils and develop a national school nutrition policy.
Rogers-Webster reminded the press conference that the Richard M Schulze Family Foundation provides free lunches to government primary school pupils across Anguilla.
Valley Primary School was the latest to join the School Feeding Programme in September last year, bringing the total taking part to six.
At the time, the Office of the Premier said: “Every primary school across the island now benefits from nutritious meals that help our children stay focused, healthy and ready to learn.”
As plans continue to expand the programme to secondary schools, Rogers-Webster said: “It’s very important that we have some standard documentation that guides healthy nutrition.”
She said her ministry will work with CARPHA consultants to develop the policy, but did not give a timeline for its completion.
