School food interventions and nutrition-related outcomes in Europe: A scoping review

OBJECTIVE: To map, synthesize and assess evidence on European school food interventions and effectiveness on nutrition-related outcomes in children and adolescents aged ≤19 years. METHODS: This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Education Resources Information Center for studies published between January 2020 and February 2026, following a published protocol. Two researchers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. One researcher extracted the data using a standardized tool. RESULTS: The search identified 900 articles, of which 65 met the inclusion criteria. Most interventions (n = 52) were implemented in primary or secondary schools. Educational interventions (n = 43) were associated with positive dietary behaviors, such as higher fruit and vegetable intake, as well as favorable weight-related outcomes. Food provision (n = 10), including free school meals, was associated with healthier dietary intake and lower food insecurity. Multicomponent approaches (n = 12) were associated with sustained improvements in dietary intake and favorable anthropometric outcomes. Equity-focused interventions (n = 33) were associated with improvements in food security, dietary intake, and body mass index in the targeted populations. CONCLUSIONS: School food interventions in Europe are associated with positive shifts in dietary behaviors and weight-related outcomes. Future research should strengthen equity integration, expand early childhood approaches, and promote long-term policy support to enhance impact and sustainability.