The number of children who receive school foods through programs led by the Government have increased by 20 percent since 2020, found the latest edition of the WFP flagship biennial report, the state of school food worldwide.
Now, almost 80 million children can enjoy nutritional meals at school, which takes the global total to approximately 466 million.
Beyond health and diet, national programs can benefit employment, agriculture and other sectors.
“School meals are much more than a dish of nutritious foods, as is important. For vulnerable children who receive them, they are a path out of poverty and in a new world of learning and opportunity“Mrs. McCain said.
“It has been shown that they are one of the most intelligent and profitable investments that any nation can do to improve health, education and long -term economic prosperity of future generations,” he added.
Example of what is possible
The increase in the number of children who receive school meals are produced thanks to the expansion of these programs internationally, and especially by countries that are part of the school food coalition, a network led by more than 100 governments with the PMA as secretariat.
Global financing for school meals has more than duplicate, increasing from $ 43 billion in 2020 to $ 84 billion last year. Africa leads the increase with 20 million additional children in the continent now fed through national programs, but national financing remains lower in low -income countries.
“The increase in school meals financed nationwide is a powerful sign of what is possible, even in challenging times. But in low -income countries, where the needs are greater, progress remains at risk as changes in global aid and domestic resources fall short,” said Carmen Burbano, WFP School Meal director.
Meals improve learning results
Children who are hungry cannot attend school or could have difficulty concentrating even if they do, according to the report. Providing meals at school can encourage assistance and help students stay compromised and more easily 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 programs and policies such as teacher training and technological entries.
A nutritious diet has also been associated with greater attention capacity, greater cognitive function and better assistance.
“It’s only now that we are really recognizing that the well -being of children at school and adolescents is key to their learning ability,” said Professor Donald Bundy, co -editorial leader of the report, at a press conference on Wednesday.
A catalyst for the economy
The report estimates that delivering school meals to 466 million children generates around 7.4 million cooking jobs worldwide, with greater job in logistics, agriculture and supply chains.
Nationally, school food programs generally generate approximately 1,500 jobs per 100,000 children.
Preliminary findings in some African countries suggest that programs are beneficial in terms of profits obtained in education, health and nutrition sectors. In Malawi, for example, every $ 1 inverted brought economic benefits that ranged between $ 2 and $ 18 depending on the district.
The local acquisition of school foods can also create reliable and predictable markets for small producers and family farmers, which finally encourages crop diversification, increases rural economies and encourages sustainable agricultural practices.
