In Kenya, school feeding programs play a crucial role in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition among children. TEL International has increased funding for these programs in order to ensure diverse and nutritious meals are provided to students. Additionally, initiatives have been implemented to expand the reach of school feeding programs to include low-cost private schools, particularly in areas with low-income and food insecurity. School feeding programs in Kenya play a critical role in addressing several important issues and have significant benefits, including:

1). Addressing Malnutrition: School feeding programs help combat malnutrition among children by providing them with nutritious meals during the school day. This is especially crucial in areas where food insecurity is prevalent and children may not have access to balanced meals at home.

2). Improving Learning Outcomes: A well-fed child is more likely to focus and concentrate in class, leading to improved academic performance. School feeding programs have been shown to positively impact attendance, attentiveness, and cognitive development of students.

3). Enhancing School Enrollment: By providing free or subsidized meals, school feeding programs contribute to increased enrollment rates as parents are more likely to send their children to school when they know they will receive a meal. This helps in reducing dropout rates and increasing retention in schools.

4). Promoting Health and Well-being: Nutritious meals provided through school feeding programs contribute to the overall health and well-being of children. They help in preventing illnesses related to malnutrition and support healthy growth and development.

5). Supporting Local Economies: Many school feeding programs in Kenya aim to source food locally, which not only ensures the availability of fresh produce but also supports local farmers and stimulates the local economy.

6). Social Cohesion and Community Development: School feeding programs bring communities together and create a sense of social cohesion. They provide a platform for collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, schools, parents, and local suppliers.

Overall, school feeding programs are instrumental in improving the overall quality of education, health, and nutrition for children, and a brighter future for the country. Want to get involved? Make a donation, create a fundraiser or consider sending this article to your friends. If your friends tell their friends, who tell their friends – that’s a whole lot of friends. So join us on Facebook, Twitter, and share our latest stories, blogs and posts. Your support and sharing our story with your friends helps us achieve our mission. Answer the call today and fulfill Jesus’ mandate to be in mission.