KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to promote healthier eating habits among students, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness, supported by UNICEF funding, is spearheading the development of a comprehensive curriculum and training manuals for school cooks. This initiative aims to equip cooks with essential knowledge and skills in nutrition and healthy meal preparation. State Minister Krystal Lee announced that standardized recipes will also be introduced to ensure consistency and quality across schools. Speaking at the Heart Foundation of Jamaica’s media campaign launch for the National School Nutrition Policy, Lee revealed that over 200 cooks will receive specialized training from nutritionists and an executive chef between 2026 and 2027. The ministry has already conducted assessments in more than 200 schools, evaluating food safety, hygiene, nutritional quality, and administrative practices. Collaborating with the Ministry of Education and UNICEF, the ministry will revise existing recipe manuals to align with national nutrition standards. The revision process begins this month, with recipe testing scheduled for December 2025, student taste testing in January 2026, and nutrient lab testing by February 2026. Finalized recipes are expected by March 2026. Lee emphasized that this policy is a blueprint for a healthier generation, ensuring children have access to nutritious meals that support learning and growth. She highlighted the broader societal impact, noting that good nutrition is a cornerstone of national development. The policy also encourages daily physical activity, fostering a culture of wellness in schools. Lee concluded that this initiative marks the beginning of a cultural shift, transforming schools into hubs of health and empowering children to thrive.