Healthy food in schools and other public settings

When governments set nutrition standards for food served in schools, hospitals, and other public institutions, they make the public sphere an engine for health and resilience. 

OLD-Healthy food in schools
Caption to follow. Credit Getty Images

The challenge

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The solution

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The impact

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Partners

World Health Organisation (WHO)

Benchmarks for health emergencies

We partner with the World Health Organization to standardize best practices for preparedness, including developing a benchmarking tool to simplify and accelerate preparedness planning under International Health Regulations.

The cost of healthcare worker infections

In our advocacy efforts to protect healthcare workers, we released a joint report with the World Bank to calculate the true cost of healthcare worker infections during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as wider socioeconomic implications.

In depth

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Trans fat is a harmful compound in food—you may not know it’s there, but eating it increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and premature death. As recently as 2018, trans fat contributed to as many as 500,000 deaths every year. But no one needs to eat trans fat. It can be replaced with healthier alternatives—and kept out of food supplies using best-practice policies.

NYC trans fat ban

Eliminating trans fat: Only your heart will know the difference

August 5, 2025
Dr. Tom Frieden explains how New York City successfully banned trans fat and became a model for eliminating this toxic food additive. 
9 Million lives saved and counting

9 million lives saved and counting

Resolve to Save Lives
April 21, 2025
Heart health partnerships between 2018 and 2023 will result in 9 million fewer deaths worldwide. This report details how.
TFA implementation and enforcement image

Trans fat elimination: Maximizing lives saved through policy implementation and enforcement

Resolve to Save Lives
December 1, 2025
Resolve to Save Lives’ guidance for enforcing best-practice trans fat elimination policies.
transfat-seven-steps

Developing and implementing a trans fat elimination policy: A 7-step guide for policymakers

Resolve to Save Lives
May 21, 2023
Practical steps for countries to develop and implement best practice trans fat elimination policies

Latest news on healthy food procurement

A Thai doctor listens to a patient's heart through a stethoscope

Our latest Epidemics That Didn’t Happen report shows that preparedness works

May 18, 2026
The fourth edition of Epidemics That Didn't Happen shows that the trajectory of a disease is not a matter of fate, but targeted investment and timing.…

Nigeria launches new policy for healthier foods in public institutions

July 13, 2026
Nigeria launches public food policy to strengthen healthier diets and prevent diet-related non-communicable diseases.…

Faster, smarter disease surveillance in Addis Ababa

July 7, 2026
Resolve to Save Lives partnered with the Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau to cut epi bulletin production from five days to just 40 minutes.…