Publications and resources

This research paper provides an analysis of the SABER (Systems Approach for Better Education Results) School Feeding policy tool, used over 10 years by 59 countries to design, strengthen, and track their school meals programs. It highlights findings from 51 comparable SABER surveys, emphasizing policy developments in school meal implementation and financial challenges in low-income countries.

This paper highlights the role of school meal programmes in global food system reform. It argues that expanding these programs can address hunger, improve education, and promote healthier diets. Prepared for the UN Food Systems Summit 2023, the paper emphasizes their potential to support sustainable development, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

This report presents an analysis of the financial landscape for school meal programmes in light of the learning crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It discusses the fiscal challenges governments face and explores the role of school feeding programmes in addressing education, poverty, and malnutrition issues. The report includes seven case studies and emphasizes multi-sectoral benefits, fiscal space limitations, and donor funding challenges.

This working paper documents Togo's national school meals program, detailing its organization, funding, and monitoring processes. It presents the country's profile, outlines the design and implementation of school feeding programs, describes monitoring and evaluation processes, and highlights lessons learned, best practices, and challenges.

This report examines the potential of debt swaps as a financing mechanism for school meals, analyzing opportunities, constraints, and policy implications for sustainable school feeding programmes. It includes detailed case studies of Ghana, Honduras, Kenya, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.

This case study provides an in-depth look at the development, implementation, and challenges of school meal programs in Senegal. It focuses on local economies, food security, and the nutritional impact on students, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. It also discusses public policies, financing mechanisms, and collaboration with international partners.

The IPNEd "School Meals: A Toolkit for Parliamentarians" provides evidence and guidance to help parliamentarians support school meal programmes. It covers the benefits of school meals for child health, education, and community well-being and includes sections on programme basics, return on investment, and actionable steps for expanding school meals locally and globally.

This case study discusses Ukraine’s school meals program, focusing on reforms led by the First Lady, Olena Zelenska, and the government's efforts to modernize school canteens and improve food quality. It highlights how the war and the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted school meal access, with significant international support for rebuilding infrastructure and providing free meals to displaced and vulnerable children.