In our partner communities in rural Kenya, nearly all families rely on subsistence farming, depending on seasonal rainfall for both their food supply and income. This fragile reliance on rainfed agriculture leaves households highly vulnerable to poor harvests, which have become more frequent due to climate change and shifting weather patterns. When crops fail or yields are low, families face heartbreaking choices. An overwhelming 98% report difficulty paying for basic school expenses, such as uniforms, and more than half are forced to choose between buying food or covering school fees for their children.

In this context of deep economic hardship, school feeding programs offer a critical lifeline. Across Africa, about one-third of school-aged children benefit from such programs—but in East Africa, that figure drops to just 20%. The lack of reliable school meals contributes to poor attendance, especially among girls, young women, and the most vulnerable children, who are often the first to be withdrawn from school when food or money runs short.

Providing daily meals at school does more than alleviate hunger—it opens doors to education, improves focus in the classroom, and creates opportunities for long-term change. When children are nourished, they are better equipped to learn, grow, and succeed. School meals can also reduce gender disparities in education by making it easier for families to keep their daughters enrolled.

This project ensures that 1,000 children across three schools in rural Kenya receive a nutritious, homegrown meal each school day. It also takes a sustainable, community-centered approach to addressing food insecurity and education. Through this initiative, staple foods will be purchased from local women farmers, strengthening both student nutrition and local livelihoods. School land will be used to grow fruits and vegetables rich in essential nutrients, while small livestock programs will provide a consistent source of protein. At the same time, students will be trained in agricultural practices, equipping them with practical skills to grow food and support their communities in the future.

This is not simply a feeding program—it’s an investment in resilience, education, and dignity. By meeting immediate nutritional needs and building long-term capacity, the project helps ensure that hunger does not stand in the way of a child’s right to learn, dream, and thrive.

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