The National School Meal Program (PRONAE) was adopted by the Mozambican government in 2013, as a multi-sectoral program with the objective to “reduce the impacts of food insecurity and malnutrition on the education sector, particularly the weak access to education, dropout, absenteeism and failure rates” (Republic of Mozambique, 2013). The program encompasses the provision of diversified meals to students with food procured locally, alongside other interventions such as nutrition education, school gardens and deworming.
This report analyzes the costs of the national school feeding program (SFP) and attempts to quantify its impact on education, health and nutrition, social protection, and local agricultural economy. By comparing the costs and benefits of the SFP, it aims at assessing its value for money. It contributes to the evidence that the school feeding program in Mozambique presents high value for money when looking at the effect over 7 years of primary education, and can serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, providing insights to inform strategic decisions aimed at strengthening and expanding the national SFP.