WFP enhances School Feeding and Community Resilience in Gedaref (Sudan)
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In Gedaref, Sudan, the World Food Programme (WFP) is implementing a strategic initiative to improve education and food security through school-based interventions.
Focused on school meals and food assistance, the programme is helping address immediate nutritional needs while also fostering long-term educational and economic resilience in the region.
One of the key pillars of the intervention is the distribution of food commodities to schools, ensuring that students receive either daily cooked meals or take-home rations. These meals play a critical role in keeping children in school, reducing hunger, and improving their ability to focus and learn. The meals are designed to be both cost-effective and nutritious, using a school menu planner developed to support balanced diets with diverse food groups.
To build local capacity, WFP is working closely with schools to establish parent-teacher associations and provide training in school feeding management. This approach ensures that communities are actively involved in delivering and sustaining the programme. Additionally, WFP supports school staff and community members with nutrition education, highlighting the importance of healthy diets and reinforcing positive food-related behaviours.
Monitoring systems have been put in place to track progress, gather feedback, and guide ongoing improvements. Schools maintain regular reporting mechanisms, while programme activities are evaluated to ensure they meet local needs effectively. Non-food items are also distributed to schools to support the practical aspects of meal preparation and hygiene.
The programme is deeply rooted in the Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) model, which sources food from local smallholder farmers. This not only strengthens the local economy but also creates income-generating opportunities for producers and other actors in the food supply chain. As a result, the initiative supports both child nutrition and community livelihoods.
Through this intervention, WFP aims to achieve several long-term outcomes. These include improved school enrolment and attendance, especially for girls, reduced gender disparities, and a stronger, more functional education sector overall. At the same time, the programme contributes to household income and food security by linking schools with local food systems.
WFP’s work in Gedaref represents a holistic approach to development—one that combines education, nutrition, and economic empowerment to build a healthier and more resilient future for children and communities alike.
