RFAs: Supports School Feeding and Food Security in Northern Sudan
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In Northern Sudan, the World Food Programme (WFP) is implementing a comprehensive initiative that strengthens both education and food security through school meals and food assistance.
This effort aims to ensure that children receive the nutrition they need to thrive in school while also supporting community livelihoods and long-term development.
At the core of the programme is the distribution of food commodities to schools, which are used to provide either daily cooked meals or take-home rations for students. These meals play a crucial role in combating classroom hunger, improving children's concentration and performance, and encouraging regular school attendance.
To ensure effective and sustainable delivery, WFP facilitates the formation of parent-teacher associations in targeted schools. These groups, along with school staff, receive training on managing and implementing school feeding operations. A school menu planner is also introduced, helping schools prepare nutritious and cost-efficient meals based on available resources.
Nutrition education is a key component of the initiative. Through sessions delivered to students, teachers, parents, and cooks, the programme promotes healthier eating habits and better understanding of food choices. Social and Behaviour Change Communication methods further strengthen this effort by engaging the wider community and encouraging long-term behavioural improvements.
Robust monitoring and reporting systems are maintained to ensure the programme remains responsive and effective. These tools allow for ongoing evaluation and adjustments, contributing to improved decision-making and programme quality. Non-food items, such as cooking equipment or hygiene supplies, are also distributed to support safe and efficient food preparation in schools.
The programme is further enhanced by the Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) model, which links local smallholder farmers to schools as food suppliers. This approach not only ensures the freshness of school meals but also strengthens the local economy by providing farmers with stable, income-generating opportunities.
The expected outcomes include more stable enrolment rates, improved school attendance, and reduced gender disparities, particularly among primary school-aged children. Additionally, the programme supports the livelihoods of farmers and contributes to a more resilient and functional education system in Northern Sudan.
Through this initiative, WFP is making a lasting impact by addressing immediate nutritional needs while laying the foundation for stronger education and economic systems across the region.
