Nutrition Environment Assessment Toolkit for Schools (NEAT-S) in Indonesia

Highlights

Schools are a critical setting for shaping children’s diets and lifelong health. In Indonesia, where nearly all children attend primary school, improving school food environments could make a meaningful difference to child nutrition. Yet many schools are surrounded by unhealthy food options, with limited access to nutritious meals and few safeguards against the marketing of ultra-processed products.

To better understand these issues, UNICEF assessed school food environments in 268 primary schools across Java, Sulawesi, and Papua. The findings show significant gaps: few healthy food choices, limited nutrition education, and inadequate facilities for physical activity. When interviewed, many children voiced support for healthier schools—calling for better food options, stronger regulation of unhealthy snacks, and access to free nutritious meals. 

Addressing these gaps requires stronger policies and programmes, including clear school canteen guidelines, restrictions on unhealthy food marketing, and improved nutrition services. Integrating these actions into national initiatives like the Free Nutritious Meals programme offers a real opportunity to support healthier growth and development for millions of children.