After exploring the Special Mentions for Governance and Sustainable Diets and Nutrition in our previous articles on the Milan Pact Awards 2025, we now turn our attention to the initiatives awarded in the Social and Economic Equity Category, developed by the cities of Nairobi (Kenya), Nilüfer (Türkiye), La Paz (Bolivia), and Bangkok (Thailand).
As highlighted by Thom Achterbosch, Senior Researcher on Sustainable Food Systems at Wageningen Economic Research and member of the Milan Pact Awards Evaluation Committee, among the 61 practices submitted in this category, two key concepts consistently emerge: solidarity and accessibility, both rooted in a shared commitment to ensuring dignified and equitable food assistance.
A defining feature of many of these initiatives is their strong focus on the inclusion of marginalised and vulnerable groups, not through short-term or one-off support measures, but by actively integrating individuals into the social and economic fabric of the city and fostering their long-term participation in the community.
Let us now take a closer look at the practices that received a Special Mention.
NAIROBI: “NAIROBI CITY COUNTY SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAM”
Despite its position as an economic hub, Nairobi City County struggles with urban poverty, food insecurity and child malnutrition. Over 60% of Nairobi’s population lives in slums, with 11% of children under five experiencing stunting and 25% not attending school due to lack of a meal at home.
To address these challenges, the County launched a government-led School Feeding Programme in August 2023. The programme uses a hub-and-spoke model, with a centralized kitchen (hub) delivering nutritious meals to different schools (spoke) and integrates the innovative “Tap2Eat” technology for real-time tracking and data analytics at the individual student level.
The programme has reached up to 318,751 learners, providing hot, nutritious meals every school day. In its first year, it improved educational outcomes by increasing enrolment by 34%, reducing absenteeism by 20%, and creating over 2,000 jobs.
The programme prioritises local food sources by engaging local smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs, to boost food system resilience and local economies. In addition, it promotes sustainable agricultural practices by offering a plant-based diet. Job creation along the school feeding value chain promotes economic empowerment, particularly for women and youth.
These innovations make the programme a first-of-its-kind in Kenya, offering a scalable and sustainable model for school feeding.
Read the full practice of Nairobi: Nairobi City County School Feeding Program
NILUFER: “NILUFER’S TABLE OF SOLIDARITY”
In response to rising poverty, income inequality, and social exclusion, Nilüfer Municipality launched a set of services aimed at strengthening solidarity and ensuring food security, while improving access to healthy food and using local resources effectively.
Programmes like the Low-Cost City Restaurant (one budget-friendly restaurant), the Soup Kitchen (one free-meal restaurant), the Nilbel Cafes (three budget-friendly cafes), the Suspended Meal (a digital donation system via mobile app and website), the Halk Kart (food aid card supporting 1,250 families) and two Soup Distribution Points for students represent some of the key measures Nilüfer introduced to address these challenges.
These inclusive measures promote solidarity through a model in which “the hand that receives does not see the hand that gives” preserving dignity.
The programme directly benefits low-income individuals, the elderly, people with disabilities, people living with chronic illnesses, students and the temporarily unemployed.
Access to the Halk Kart is granted following approval by the Board of the Social Support Services Directorate, while other services—such as soup distribution and refreshments provided at youth centres and 24/7 libraries during exam periods—are open to the public and have proven to be vital support for students. This is especially significant given that approximately 13,000 students were forced to discontinue their education due to high living costs.
Overall, the initiatives have contributed to building a sustainable and inclusive support system, reinforcing social equity, and placing access to hot meals as a basic right on the public agenda.
Read the full practice of Nilüfer: Nilufer’s Table of Solidarity
LA PAZ: “NEW MODEL FOR COMPLEMENTARY SCHOOL NUTRITION”
The studies conducted with the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA) revealed significant nutritional and health challenges among students in La Paz: 33% were overweight or obese, 10% suffered from malnutrition, and 34% were at cardiometabolic risk.
In response, the Municipality of La Paz increased its budget to implement a differentiated complementary school feeding programme tailored to students’ age, educational level, and specific needs, including those of students in special education.
The programme reaches over 122,000 students across nearly 370 educational units and is based on personalized menus that incorporate Amazonian and Andean products (such as acai, cupuaçu, acerola, majo, amaranth, quinoa, tarwi, and cañahua) selected for their high nutritional value and sustainability.
Beyond improving student health, the initiative strengthens local food systems by creating economic opportunities along the value chain and supporting more than 5,000 rural families. Standardized procedures and clear regulations have been key to ensuring nutritional quality, product acceptance, and the long-term sustainability of the programme.
Read the full practice of La Paz: New Model for Complementary School Nutrition
BANGKOK: “BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM FOR BMA SCHOOLS”
For many students in the Bangkok metropolitan area, particularly those from low-income families, regular meals at home are not always guaranteed. In some cases, school meals represent their primary source of daily nutrition. Recognizing this challenge, the Thai government funds school lunches nationwide, while the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) goes a step further by also covering breakfast costs, ensuring that children receive at least two nutritious meals every school day.
To strengthen the quality, transparency, and effectiveness of this effort, BMA partnered with the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC) and the Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University to develop the “Thai School Lunch for BMA” digital system. The platform supports schools in planning nutritionally balanced menus, managing ingredients, and tracking deliveries, while ensuring full traceability of food sources and public visibility of prepared meals.
The use of digital technology in school meal provision makes this initiative a pioneering project in Southeast Asia and the first of its kind in Thailand. By allowing parents and the public to access information on ingredients, origins, and final meals, the system builds trust and sets a new standard for transparent, data-driven food governance.
Implemented across all 437 BMA-affiliated schools, the School Breakfast and Lunch Programme benefits more than 250,000 students and their families. Beyond improving child nutrition and supporting learning outcomes, the initiative promotes equity, accountability, and sustainability, positioning Bangkok as a leading example of how cities can leverage innovation to strengthen urban food systems.
Read the full practice of Bangkok: Breakfast and Lunch Program for BMA Schools
Special thanks to Laura Marino, MUFPP Intern, for writing this article.
