As Africa marks the 2025 Day of the African Child under the African Union theme “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010,” the homegrown nonprofit Food4Education is urging African governments and global partners to prioritize school feeding programmes as a fundamental investment in the continent’s future.
With 90 million children enrolled in African schools, yet over 50 million arriving hungry each day, the crisis is pressing. Despite having the world’s youngest population, Africa hosts only 14% of global school feeding programmes—a significant gap with severe implications for learning outcomes, economic equity, and long-term development.
“We cannot continue to treat child malnutrition and socioeconomic growth as separate issues,” said Wawira Njiru, Founder and CEO of Food4Education. “Well-nourished children thrive in school and life. Locally rooted school meals don’t just fuel learning—they build jobs, strengthen rural economies, and nourish a whole nation’s future.”
From a Makeshift Kitchen to a National Movement
Founded 13 years ago in a modest kitchen serving just 25 children, Food4Education now delivers over 500,000 hot, nutritious meals daily to schoolchildren across Kenya. Working alongside local governments, smallholder farmers, and community partners, the programme has become a leading example of integrated, scalable, and sustainable school feeding.
By sourcing over 100 tons of locally grown food—with 80% from smallholder farmers—the initiative directly reinvests into rural economies while enhancing children’s academic performance. Research shows that for every $1 spent on school meals, societies can gain up to $20 in social and economic returns.
In Kenya, Food4Education says the programme has fostered:
- A 20% increase in school enrolment in cities like Nairobi and Mombasa.
- A 30% reduction in absenteeism and improvements in learning outcomes.
- The creation of jobs and infrastructure through 29 decentralized kitchens, 17 of which were built in partnership with county governments.
A Continent-Wide Blueprint for Impact
While 80% of African governments have allocated budgets for school feeding, operational gaps and policy deficiencies continue to impede implementation. To bridge the intention-action divide, Food4Education proposes a four-pillar blueprint for effective, African-led school feeding systems:
- Integrate school meals into national development plans as a human capital, health, and education investment.
- Public funding must safeguard programmes from donor fluctuations.
After visiting Food4Education’s facilities in Nairobi, His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho, AU Champion for Nutrition and FAO Goodwill Ambassador, remarked:
“Sustainable school feeding programs are not just an intervention — they are a commitment to human capital development, food security, and economic resilience.”
Shalom Ndiku, Food4Education’s Head of Policy and Partnerships, highlighted:
“School feeding is infrastructure. It’s economic policy. It’s a climate solution. But above all, it’s a matter of justice. We know what works. What we now need is bold government leadership to extend this to every African child.”
Melvin’s Story: From Meals to Milestones
One of the most inspiring outcomes of the programme is Melvin, a former beneficiary who attended Sironga Girls High School in Nyamira County. After receiving daily school meals throughout primary school, she excelled in her final exams, achieving 399 marks, earned a full scholarship for secondary education, and recently graduated top of her class with an A grade. She is now pursuing a university degree in engineering.
“Having a full belly meant I could concentrate, study hard, and succeed,” Melvin stated.
As Africa reflects on 15 years of progress in advancing children’s rights, Food4Education’s message is clear: “No child should ever have to learn on an empty stomach.”
