Food Quality Standards in School Feeding Programs

The introduction of school feeding programs has been transformative in many countries, particularly in Rwanda, where food quality standards play a crucial role in enhancing student attendance and academic performance. Some Parents in Karongi express immense relief as their children no longer have to skip school for food. This initiative helps break the cycle of hunger and education-related challenges, ensuring students have access to nutritious meals while continuing their education.

In the past, many students, especially in rural areas of Rwanda, would often drop out of school or attend irregularly because they needed to spend several days each week gathering food. The daily search for sustenance often meant that children could study only two days a week, leaving them at an academic disadvantage. Parents had little choice but to watch their children struggle both at home and in school. However, the school feeding program has changed this reality, offering a solution to food insecurity while allowing students to stay in school and receive uninterrupted education.

This change empowers families by helping them achieve a more balanced and sustainable lifestyle, improving both their economic and social well-being.

The Importance of Food Quality Standards

Food quality standards are essential for the success of school feeding programs. Ensuring that meals provided to students are not only nutritious but also safe and appealing is critical for their health and academic performance.

Joseph Nyandwi, the headmaster of G.S Mubazi in Karongi District’s Rubengera cell, has witnessed firsthand how the school feeding program has positively impacted both student attendance and academic performance.

He explains that many parents in the area have shared with him how their children would previously miss up to three days of school in order to search for food. Now, with meals provided at school, students can attend regularly, study without the distraction of hunger, and are more focused on their lessons.

“Some parents have told me that their children would often miss school for days, only to return for the remaining two days of the week. This has dramatically changed with the introduction of the school feeding program, and now students are attending school full-time,” Nyandwi explained.

Teachers have noticed that children who were once distracted by hunger are now more attentive, engaged, and motivated to learn. This boost in attendance and academic focus is a direct result of the consistency of the meals provided by the feeding program.

Support for Parents and Communities

The positive effects of the school feeding program extend beyond the students themselves, benefiting the entire community. Parents, who previously had to leave their farms or daily work to prepare meals for their children, now have more time to focus on their livelihoods. By ensuring their children are fed nutritious meals at school, parents can allocate more time to their agricultural work or other responsibilities without worrying about their children’s basic needs.

Some parents told Joseph Nyandwi that before the program, they had to leave their farms every few days to prepare food for their children, sometimes not even being able to do so, significantly impacting their ability to work and provide for the family.

“With the feeding program in place, I no longer have to leave my work and can focus on providing for my family without worrying about my children’s education or hunger,” they said.

Addressing Challenges of Overcrowding and Food Quality

Despite the positive outcomes, some schools have faced challenges related to overcrowding. As more students attend school regularly, classrooms have become more crowded, putting pressure on existing infrastructure. However, education experts emphasize that maintaining high food quality standards is essential for the program’s success.

Jerôme Ndahimana from the Rwanda Standards Board suggests that schools can overcome these obstacles by improving the management and utilization of available resources.

“Schools should learn how to maximize what they have to maintain food quality standards while also addressing issues of overcrowding. With proper planning, we can create an environment where students continue to thrive academically and nutritionally,” he said.

Ensuring that schools have the proper facilities, including enough space and adequate resources to cater to the growing number of students, is crucial for maintaining the success of these programs. Additionally, investing in infrastructure development can further enhance the quality of education and the food quality standards for students in these areas.

Rwanda’s school feeding program has been a game-changer for both students and their families. By addressing food insecurity and adhering to high food quality standards, the program has allowed children to attend school regularly, improving their academic performance and giving them a better chance at a brighter future. While challenges such as overcrowding persist, the overall benefits of the program are undeniable. With continued support from parents, communities, and international organizations, Rwanda’s school feeding initiative will continue to help students succeed and grow, both in the classroom and in life.

Rwanda’s statistics show that since the program started, the number of children attending school in Karongi District has increased. In the 2022/2023 school year, there were 124,322 children; in 2023/2024, it increased to 125,485; and in 2024/2025, it reached 130,844 children.

The initiative, which began with a launch event in Nkumba, continues across districts such as Burera, Rubavu, and Rutsiro, Karongi

with plans to reach all 11 districts by the end of the program.