What would be the sources of funding for any expansion of the school feeding program?
In order to expand the school cafeterias to all primary schools across the country, as planned by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, different sources of funding are needed. They include the contributions of the national government, the UN system including WFP, and the local communities. Private donations are also welcomed. Until communities are able to produce enough commodities to supply their school cafeterias with food for four days a week, food aid and agricultural tools and technology need to be provided.
What has been the effect of rising food prices in this funding effort?
As a consequence of rising food prices and the resulting insufficient contributions to our operation in Côte d’Ivoire, WFP has been forced to reduce the amount of food deliveries for the last three months of the school year (April, May, June).
How can someone help the school feeding program?
There are many different ways to help the School Feeding Program. Support is needed in terms of food aid, financial resources, and technical support to increase local production and promote sustainability.
The support could be used (a) to build or rehabilitate the cafeterias and food storage rooms; (b) to equip school cafeterias with seats, tables and kitchen equipment, (c) to provide improved seeds (rice, maize); (d) to train communities on farming techniques, food processing, and conservation techniques.
Is there anything else you'd like to add about why you think school feeding is important for people to support?
The Integrated and Sustainable School Cafeterias Program in Côte d’Ivoire is a real community-based model which can be used in other African countries.
Despite the socio-political crisis, the Government of Côte d’Ivoire succeeded in mobilizing the local communities to produce food for the village school cafeteria. The program needs the support of donors more than ever. WFP thanks donors for the support they have already given and encourages them to continue to support the Côte d’Ivoire School Feeding Program as an effective way to fight poverty and under-development in Africa.
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