Foundation Backs Zambia's School Feeding Plan

Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Food for Education Foundation to strengthen the National School Feeding Programme.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit Kusobile Kamwambi said the partnership will help address gaps in the programme as it expands to reach more than 5.6 million learners across the country.

Ms Kamwambi said the programme is a flagship policy of the current administration and complements the Free Education policy, which has brought 2.6 million learners back into school since 2021, increasing demand for school meals.

Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Vice President Lilian Kapusana said her office will coordinate the expanded National School Feeding Programme under the new partnership with the Food for Education Foundation.

Ms Kapusana said the programme supports education, nutrition, health and agriculture, making it an important component of national development.

Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Education Services Kelvin Mambwe said the National School Feeding Programme has become an indispensable pillar of the country's education system.

Dr Mambwe described the programme as a strategic investment in education, nutrition, health, agriculture and economic development.

The Food for Education Foundation has pledged technical support as Government scales up the National School Feeding Programme.

Food for Education Foundation Chief Executive Officer Wawira Njiru said treating school feeding as a strategic public investment rather than a cost would deliver lasting benefits for learners and communities.