Assessing Success of Healthy Meals in Schools Programme in Cultivating Healthy Eating Habits

Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what outcome-based indicators does the Health Promotion Board (HPB) use to assess whether the Healthy Meals in Schools Programme is achieving its objective of cultivating healthy eating habits among students; and (b) whether HPB collects data on actual food consumption rates or plate waste in schools under the Programme.

The Healthy Meals in Schools programme (HMSP) is part of a broader suite of school-based efforts which complement Grow Well SG to cultivate healthy eating habits from young, such as nutrition education and parent engagement initiatives. As it would not be straightforward to attribute outcomes to the programme in isolation, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) tracks more broadly the eating habits of students under Grow Well SG.

HPB does not collect data on actual food consumption rates or plate waste in schools under the programme. HPB engages regularly with schools and canteen vendors to ensure that meals served continue to meet the required guidelines and incorporates their feedback to refine the implementation of the guidelines. HPB also provides resources, such as the HMSP Toolkit for Schools, which includes sample recipes using healthier ingredients and cooking methods.

HPB will continue to work with stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Education, schools and canteen vendors to strengthen and review the programme and better support students in developing healthy eating habits.