Children

“There are genuinely sufficient resources in the world to ensure that no one, nowhere, at no time, should go hungry.” — Ed Asner

Imagine walking into a classroom where the air is thick with anticipation. The school bell rings, and students settle into their seats, eager to learn. But for some, the excitement of the day is overshadowed by a gnawing hunger that distracts them from their lessons. Many have left home without a meal and have walked several kilometers to be in class. In schools across underserved communities, this is a daily reality.

Picture young Perminus, a bright-eyed learner from Ngwata Primary School who loves playing football. He was found scouring for food scrapes at a dumpsite neighbouring the school, instead of being in class. His family live below the poverty threshold and are unable to meet their basic needs. He was rescued by a well-meaning teacher and taken to school. Stella, who was the deputy teacher helped the family out with food rations so that Perminus could remain in school. His story is not unique—many primary school learners in rural Kenya face similar challenges. They come to school hungry, their potential stifled by the weight of their unmet basic needs.

Food insecurity is not just about the absence of food; it is about the absence of opportunity. While school feeding programs provide a vital safety net for children from food insecure homes, they are also critical for learning.

A meal might seem like a small thing, but for many children, it is a lifeline. The hot lunch served in school can be the first and sometimes only nutritious meal they have all day. Consider the transformation that happens when a child like Perminus receives that meal: suddenly, his energy levels rise, his focus sharpens, and his enthusiasm for learning is reignited. We saw this transformation in Perminus who today is the football captain for the school. He recently participated in the National Drama Festival in April 2024 where they school had three teams. This is what the Head Teacher, Faith had to say about the impact of the feeding program.

For just over eleven years, we have seen that feeding programs do more than just provide food—they offer stability, hope, and a sense of belonging. They level the playing field, allowing every child to feel cared for and valued regardless of their circumstances. Every meal is a step towards breaking the cycle of poverty.

Amara’s school feeding program has a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom. When children are well-nourished, their health improves, reducing absenteeism, increasing enrollment, and boosting their chances of academic success.

We have seen school populations implode rather dramatically shortly after a feeding program has been introduced. For instance, Ngwata Primary had a population of 1,710 learners five years ago. Today, that number stands at 3,202. This trend is mirrored across the seven primary schools we support.

However, the rising number of learners in these schools puts immense pressure on our ability to sustain the feeding program for 5,520. Recently, we faced the heartbreaking decision to reduce the number of days when lunch is provided. This was not an easy decision to make but one that we had to put in place in order to continue providing the hot lunches to some of the most vulnerable in our society.

In a recent study, Save The Children’s under their program “School Health and Nutrition” stated, that school feeding programs deliver US$9 in returns for every US$1 invested. So, how exactly are the returns measured?

Here is how I see this investment playing out for the short and long term. When a child is well-fed, their health and well-being improve, leading to lower healthcare costs and an easing of their family’s financial burdens. They achieve better educational outcomes due to improved school attendance, contributing to a more productive and economically sound nation. Additionally, there are fewer incidents of school dropouts, resulting in lower cases of youth delinquency and a generation filled with resentment at what they perceive to be an unfair world.

We need to change our perspective on how we view feeding programs. For sure, they are very complex intervention and one that is solely dependent on the goodwill of generous donors like you. Yet, the impact has far reaching positive outcomes. With a different outlook, feeding programs become more than just providing hot meals. They become powerful vehicles that nourish minds and bodies, fuel dreams, and create a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

When I first sat down to write this blog, I was convinced that feeding programs needed to be community-owned and that we should explore ways to scale back, while at the same time offering workable solutions to the schools. However, by the time I reached the end, my perspective has shifted. I realized just how vital this program is to the 5,520 young learners who rely on it for nourishment and hope. I would like to believe that these children’s futures are brighter because of the meal they receive.

So, what changed my mind? It was the memory of my first visit to Kanaani Primary School during their lunch break and recalling the sheer excitement of the children as the lunch bell rang. It was their eagerness as they lined up with their food containers, albeit a little anxiously because the queues were so long. It was remembering the simple pleasure on their faces as they sat down to eat and their deep gratitude for a meal. What moves me even today was watching a young child carefully save a portion to take home, perhaps for a younger sibling or for themselves to savor later. I remember remarking about this and was informed by the teachers that it was a common occurrence.

With the Government recently announcing that funding for school feeding programs was being cut, one must wonder what will become of the nearly 4.5 million children who will be affected.

Now, more than ever, I see the importance of a feeding program. But I also believe there is a way to make them self-sustainable and less reliant on donors. This is where we need your help. Together, we can find innovative solutions and ensure that these essential feeding programs continue to nourish young minds and bodies. Your support can make a lasting difference in the lives of these children. Let us work together to create a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive, and no child goes to bed hungry.

“Hungry people cannot be good at learning or producing anything, except perhaps violence.” – Pearl Bailey