No fewer than 80 million children are able to enjoy nutritious meals at school, bringing the global total to approximately 466 million, according to the World Food Programme.

The WFP, in its latest edition of its flagship biennial report, stated that the number of children receiving school meals through government-led programs has increased by 20 percent since 2020.

“Not all headlines are bleak: 466 million children now receive school meals worldwide, up 80 million since 2020,” WFP’s executive director, Cindy McCain, said. “When governments invest in kids, this is what’s possible. WFP is proud to support national efforts all over the world – because every child deserves to learn and thrive. School meals are a crucial way out of poverty into “a new world of learning and opportunity.”

Beyond health and diet, Ms McCain said national programmes can benefit employment, agriculture, and other sectors.

“School meals are so much more than just a plate of nutritious food – important as that is,” Ms McCain said. “For the vulnerable children who receive them, they are a pathway out of poverty and into a new world of learning and opportunity.”

She added, “They are proven to be one of the smartest, most cost-effective investments any nation can make to improve the long-term health, education, and economic prosperity of future generations.”

Global funding for school meals has more than doubled, rising from $43 billion in 2020 to $84 billion last year, according to the WFP.

Africa is leading the surge, with an additional 20 million children on the continent now fed through national programmes; however, domestic funding still remains lower in low-income countries.

Carmen Burbano, Director of School Meals at WFP, said, “The surge in nationally funded school meal programmes is a powerful sign of what’s possible, even in challenging times.

“But in low-income countries, where needs are greatest, progress remains at risk as global aid shifts and domestic resources fall short.”

Children who are hungry might not attend school or could struggle to focus even if they do, according to the report.

Providing meals at school can both incentivise attendance and help students stay engaged, making it easier for them to absorb educational material.

The report found that school meals are a significantly more effective way to improve the quality of education compared to other popular programmes and policies, such as teacher training and technology inputs.

A nutritious diet has also been linked to increased attention span, improved cognitive function, and better attendance.

Donald Bundy, co-editorial lead for the report, said, “It’s only now that we’re really recognising that the well-being of school children and adolescents is key to their learning ability.”

The report estimates that delivering school meals to 466 million children generates approximately 7.4 million cooking jobs globally, with additional employment opportunities across logistics, farming, and supply chains.

On a national level, school meal programmes typically generate approximately 1,500 jobs for every 100,000 children.

Preliminary findings in some African countries suggest that the programmes are cost-beneficial in terms of the gains obtained in the education, health, and nutrition sectors. 

(NAN)