While performance and nutrition have not been specifically measured, the Food for Education program has promoted general health within the communities in which it operates.
World Vision Afghanistan integrates its Food for Education activities with other programs throughout Badghis, Ghor and Herat provinces. These programs include activities in healthcare, household livelihoods, food production and rehabilitation of agricultural infrastructure. The combined effects include improvements in the general health of community members there.
For example, World Vision Afghanistan became the first organization in the area to undertake a comprehensive approach to teaching health and hygiene by providing health education personnel in Badghis and the Chagcharan district of Ghor to teach children and teachers about health and hygiene.
In addition, the program has funded development of school fruit and vegetable gardens, literacy courses for adult women, and the distribution of oral rehydration salts to students for use during the dry, hot summer months
What is the funding status of this school feeding program in Afghanistan? Are there any plans for expansion?
The program currently has sufficient funds to run through early 2010. World Vision may apply for additional funding to continue the program beyond 2010. If additional funding is pursued, the proposal would be due during the summer of 2009.
What would be the sources of funding for any expansion of the school feeding program?
World Vision would seek McGovern-Dole funding. World Vision received funding in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. The program is still running on funding from the 2006 award, but, as I noted before, World Vision may apply for 2010 funding.
What has been the effect of rising food prices in this funding effort?
Rising food prices have not affected this specific program or the effort to fund it.
How can someone help World Vision and its school feeding efforts in Afghanistan?
While this program is entirely government-funded, there are many opportunities to donate to World Vision’s hunger-related programs globally. World Vision’s website offers a variety of ways to help stop hunger in vulnerable communities.
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