WFP and Iceland support expansion of school meals in Malawi

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Fundamental and Secondary Education and with the support of the Government of Iceland, has expanded the school meal program (HGSM) to the Nkhotakota district, Malawi.

The Government of Iceland recently contributed $ 1.5 million to facilitate the expansion of the HGSM program over the next three years, improve food security for learners, create opportunities for farmers and promote sustainable practices using food and clean energy solutions cultivated locally.

As part of this initiative, 10,000 primary school children will receive nutrient meals to help them stay healthy and concentrate. Schools will also serve as a market ready for 1,200 small farmers to provide locally produced food, strengthening their business and local economy. In addition, farmers’ groups will receive training in marketing, financial access and management, based on their ability to achieve larger markets.

“With the effects of the drought induced by El Niño which has always had an impact on food security in Malawi, this expansion arrives at a critical moment,” Simon Denhere, director of the acting country from WFP in Malawi,. “Thanks to the support of Iceland, we can reach more children with nutritious meals while creating opportunities for farmers to strengthen their livelihoods by selling their products to potential and long -term affairs.”

Environmental advantages

Beyond the supply of healthy meals to children and the creation of opportunities for farmers, a pilot project on clean energy will be introduced into selected schools. Biodigesters will transform biological waste into biogas for cooking and bi -fertilizer for school gardens, reducing the need for firewood, to protect forests and improve agricultural methods.

“Since 2012, Icelan

d has supported the school feed program in Mangochi, and we are proud to develop in Nkhotakota,” said Davið Bjarnason, mission manager, the Iceland Embassy in Malawi. “The intervention improves nutrition and strengthens local savings in food in food from small farmers. Expansion in Nkhotakota strengthens our commitment to sustainable school food and stronger food systems. Improving the educational environment in Nkhotakota is a pillar of our work with the District Council, and the local school meal program completes these efforts. »»

Return to immediate food security challenges

The expansion of the local school meal program aligns with national efforts to improve school food nationally. The objective of this program is to meet the immediate challenges of food security while throwing a base for future and more educated future generations. The HGSM program will also be linked to the existing Nkhotakota (KKBSP) Basic Services program, implemented by the District Council and funded by the Government of Iceland. The expected result of the KKBSP is an improved supply and use of inclusive and sustainable basic social services in the Nkhotakota district, including primary education.

“School meal programs are a national priority, helping children stay healthy and focusing on the classroom,” said Ms. Maureen Maguza-Tembo, assistant director of school health, nutrition, HIV and AIDS at the Ministry of Education. “The expansion of the local school meal program in more districts reinforces both education and local food systems, and we appreciate continuous collaboration with PAM and Iceland to make it possible.”

PAM is currently providing school meals at around 800,000 children in Malawi, working in close coordination with the Ministry of Education and Partners to promote Locally sustainable and moderate solutions that improve education, nutrition and livelihoods.