In our partner communities across rural Kenya, nearly every family relies on subsistence farming as their primary source of both food and income. These households depend almost entirely on rain-fed agriculture, leaving them highly vulnerable to climate variability, drought, and poor harvests. When crops fail, the impact on families is immediate and severe. An overwhelming 98% report difficulty covering basic school-related expenses such as uniforms, while more than half are forced to make painful choices between buying food and paying school fees. For many households, hunger and education become competing priorities, placing children’s learning and long-term prospects at risk.

Although school feeding programs have proven to be one of the most effective ways to address this challenge, access remains limited. Across Africa, roughly one-third of schoolchildren benefit from school meals, yet in East Africa only about 20% of children receive a meal during the school day. This gap leaves millions of students attempting to learn on empty stomachs. Hunger undermines concentration, reduces attendance, and contributes to poor academic performance and higher dropout rates, ultimately limiting future economic opportunities.

School meal programs play a vital role in breaking this cycle, particularly for those least likely to attend school, including girls, young women, and children from the most vulnerable households. When nutritious meals are available at school, families are more likely to keep their children enrolled, and students are better able to focus, participate, and succeed in the classroom. The presence of reliable meals transforms schools into places of both learning and nourishment, creating an environment where children can thrive.

This project is designed to ensure that 1,000 children attending three rural Kenyan schools receive a nutritious, home-grown meal every school day. By integrating school and community-based food production, the initiative strengthens both immediate nutrition and long-term resilience. Staple foods are sourced from local women farmers, supporting household incomes and stimulating the local economy. School land is used to grow nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables that enrich daily meals, while small livestock programs provide essential protein and hands-on agricultural learning. In addition, students are trained in food production and nutrition, equipping them with practical life skills that promote self-sufficiency well beyond their school years.

By addressing hunger through sustainable, locally driven solutions, this project tackles both the symptoms and root causes of food insecurity. It ensures children are nourished, engaged, and able to learn today, while laying the groundwork for healthier, more resilient communities tomorrow.

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