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?
The Nicaraguan government’s funding of the school feeding program is complemented by resources from the international donor community, helping the program reach a larger number of school children.
Despite WFP`s continuous hard work, the immediate effect of rising food and fuel prices has increased the operational costs of the program, which reduces the likelihood of expanding school feeding to more schools and children.
Both the government of Nicaragua and WFP are working to obtain additional resources to reduce the gap between the limited resources available and the high number of children that would benefit from the school feeding program. This will allow the Nicaraguan government and WFP to focus on a larger number of children and gain ground in the fight against hunger.
How can someone help the school feeding program?
We face a great challenge ahead of us. We must come together to address chronic hunger in the nation in order to make real progress. Contributions can be channeled via the WFP and, in the United States, through Friends of WFP.
Is there anything else you'd like to add about why you think school feeding is important for people to support?
Education is, and always will be, the core of a society. This program is important because it enhances education and has a commitment to future generations. School feeding initiatives are necessary in communities where there is limited education access due to extreme poverty conditions and where poverty-stricken families are unable to put enough food on their tables.
Food therefore becomes an incentive for children to attend classes, giving them an opportunity for an education. The certainty of one meal a day helps reduce a child’s chances of malnourishment.
School feeding programs also allow children to learn more about the immediate effects of hunger, as well as good hygiene habits and nutritious food choices. Studies have determined that malnutrition in children is reduced when mothers have been given instruction on nutrition. We are currently working on a strategy to implement this instruction in communities to make a difference and foster the hope for a better future.
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