The number of children receiving school meals through programs led by the government has increased by 20% since 2020, found the last edition of the PAM Biennial Biennial Report, the state of school food from around the world.
Now, nearly 80 million additional children can enjoy nutritious meals in school, bringing the world total to around 466 million.
Beyond health and diet, national programs can benefit from employment, agriculture and other sectors.
“School meals are much more than a simple plate of nutrients – as important as that. For vulnerable children who receive them, they are a way out of poverty and in a new world of learning and opportunity“Said Ms. McCain.
“They have proven to be one of the most intelligent and profitable investments that any nation can make to improve the long-term health, education and economic prosperity of future generations,” she added.
Example of what is possible
The increase in the number of children receiving school meals comes from the expansion of these international programs, and in particular by countries which are part of the coalition of school meals, a network led by more than 100 governments at PAM as a secretariat.
Global funding for school meals has more than doubled, going from $ 43 billion in 2020 to 84 billion dollars last year. Africa leads to the sharp increase with 20 million additional children on the continent now fed through national programs, but domestic financing remains even lower in low -income countries.
“The sharp increase in school meal programs funded nationally is a powerful sign of what is possible, even in difficult times. But in low -income countries, where needs are the most important, progress remains in danger while world aid and domestic resources are insufficient, “said Carmen Burbano, director of school meals at WFP.
Meals improve learning results
Children who are hungry may not go to school or may have trouble concentrating even if they do, according to the report. Providing meals to school can both encourage attendance and help students remain engaged and more easily absorb educational equipment.
The report has revealed that school meals are a much more effective way to improve the quality of education compared to other popular programs and policies such as teacher training and technological contributions.
A nutritional supply has also been associated with increased attention time, higher cognitive function and better attendance.
“It is only now that we really recognize that the well-being of schoolchildren and adolescents is the key to their learning capacity,” said Professor Donald Bundy, co-editorial for the report on Wednesday.
A catalyst for the economy
The report estimates that the delivery of school meals at 466 million children generates approximately 7.4 million cooking jobs worldwide, with additional employment in logistics, agriculture and supply chains.
At the national level, school meal programs generally generate around 1,500 jobs per 100,000 children.
Preliminary results in some African countries suggest that programs are expensive in terms of gains obtained in the education, health and nutrition sectors. In Malawi, for example, each $ 1 invested has brought economic advantages ranging from $ 2 to $ 18 depending on the district.
The local purchase of school food can also create reliable and predictable markets for small operators and family farmers, which ultimately encourages the diversification of crops, stimulates rural economies and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
