The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Iceland support expansion of school meals in Malawi
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) cooperates with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and, with the support of the Icelandic Government, has expanded the Indigenous School Meals (HGSM) program to the Nkhotakota district in Malawi.
The Icelandic government recently contributed $1.5 million to promote the expansion of the HGSM program over the next three years, improve food security for learners, create opportunities for farmers, and promote sustainable practices by using locally grown food and clean energy solutions.
Under the initiative, 10,000 elementary school students will receive nutritious meals to support them stay healthy and focused. The schools will also become an off-the-shelf market for 1,200 small farmers to provide locally produced food, thereby promoting their business and local economy. In addition, farmers’ groups will be trained in marketing, financial access and management and build on their ability to reach large markets.
“This expansion is at a critical moment as El Nino-induced drought still affects food security in Malawi,” said Simon Denhere, interim state director of WFP in Malawi. “Thanks to Iceland’s support, we can attract more children through nutritious meals while also creating opportunities for farmers to strengthen livelihoods by selling agricultural products to potentially consistent and long-term businesses.”
In addition to providing healthy meals for children and creating opportunities for farmers, pilot projects on clean energy will be introduced in selected schools. Biobioplants turn organic waste into biogas for cooking and for biological users of school gardens, thus reducing the need for firewood, protecting forests and improving agricultural methods.
“Iceland has supported Mangochi’s school feeding program since 2012 and we are proud to be able to expand to Nkotakota,” said Davið Bjarnason, mission director for the Iceland Embassy in Malawi. “Interventions improve nutrition and strengthen local economies by sourcing food from small farmers. Expanding to Nkhotakota enhances our commitment to sustainable school feeding and a stronger food system. Improving the educational environment in Nkhotakota is a backbone of our partnership with the District Council, and local school catering programs can complement these efforts.”
Expanding local school meal plans is aligned with national feeding efforts nationwide. The purpose of the program is to address immediate food security challenges while laying the foundation for healthier, educated descendants. The HGSM program will also contact the existing Nkhotakota Basic Services Program (KKBSP), which is implemented by the District Council and funded by the Icelandic Government. The expected results of KKBSP are the provision and use of inclusive and sustainable basic social services in the Nkhotakota district, including primary education.
“School meal programs are a national priority to help children stay healthy and focus on the classroom,” said Mrs. Maureen Magza Teimbo, deputy director of School Health, Nutrition, HIV and AIDS at the Ministry of Education. “Extending indigenous school meal programs to an increasing number of regions strengthens education and local food systems, and we thank us for continuing to work with WFP and Iceland to achieve this.”
WFP currently provides school meals to about 800,000 children in Malawi, in close coordination with the Ministry of Education and partners to promote local solutions for sustainable development to improve education, nutrition and livelihoods.
Distributed by Apo Group on behalf of the World Food Program (WFP).
