Indonesia is a country recovering from numerous disasters, including the tsunami of 2004. School feeding programs are a key part of the rebuilding process. In this interview with Angela Van Rynbach, UN World Food Programme (WFP) country director for Indonesia, we learn about the status of school feeding programs in Indonesia and how people can help.

How many children are benefiting from the WFP school feeding programs within the country?

In Indonesia, a total of 250,000 as of June 2008. It is important to note that the target remains 320,000, but limited funding prevents reaching this target number.

Greater Jakarta: 39,600
East Java: 48,000
Lombok Island: 79,800
West Timor: 82,600

Discuss what effect the meals have on the children in terms of school attendance, performance, and nutrition.

WFP supplies nutritious biscuits, which are fortified with nine vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, B12, Niacin, Folic Acid, D and E) and five minerals (calcium, iron, zinc, selenium and iodine). Fifty grams of biscuits have a nutritional value of 200 kcal and cover on average 50% of a child's daily micronutrient requirement.

Children often come to school hungry, so the biscuit as a mid-morning snack gives them the needed energy to concentrate on their studies.

WFP nutrition surveys conducted during 2007 showed a reduction in anemia levels in school children by 4 percent in Aceh and 11 percent in West Timor, Lombok and Madura, as well as having a positive impact by as much as 5 percent on concentration and learning behaviors (based on teacher's perceptions). The students' micro-nutrient (anemia) status improved significantly in terms of nutrient outcomes.

The attendance rate increased in schools receiving WFP assistance by 17 percent since 2005.

What plans are there for making school lunches available for all children?

There are currently no efforts to supply school lunches. The main focus will be on providing a daily snack of fortified biscuits and promoting hygiene and nutrition education. Local governments in areas like Banda Aceh and Greater Jakarta have taken over from WFP and supply a mid-morning snack using their own budget or support from private companies.

What would be the sources of funding for any expansion of the school feeding program? What has been the effect of rising food prices in this funding effort?