Millions of children still go to school hungry, with a single meal often deciding whether they stay in class or drop out. While 466 million now receive school meals, half of primary school-aged children remain unreached—especially in low-income countries. World Vision’s School Meals Programme delivered daily meals to over one million children in 20 countries and drove 17 policy changes to strengthen national feeding systems. From South Sudan’s new strategy to Rwanda’s citizen-led “Dusangire Lunch,” momentum is building to end child hunger for good.

In today’s world where millions of children still go to school hungry, Mary Njeri, Global School Meals Director, puts a spotlight on school meal programmes—costing less than a cup of coffee per child—that are transforming lives and boosting learning worldwide. With proven impact and high returns, Mary urges governments, donors to make school meals a global priority so no child is left behind.

A grandmother feeds her 12-year-old green mangoes to ease hunger—a harsh reality for millions in Malawi amid a food crisis and declared State of Disaster.

Discover WVI Nepal’s GEDSI progress from FY21–FY25, showcasing inclusive policies, programs, and practices for the most vulnerable communities.

A pioneering approach in Malawi, Tanzania, CAR, and Sri Lanka is proving that when children speak, school systems listen.

World Vision’s school meals work across 19 countries

1,235 children across 13 countries share how school meals impact learning, health, and belonging—calling for better food, dignity, and a voice in decisions.

The National School Feeding Program (PRONAE) will incorporate the provision of school meals in the context of emergency responses triggered by natural disasters and conflicts in Mozambique This initiative is expected to come to effectiveness in 2026 with the distribution of school meals to complement the take-home rations that currently are bringing relief to children in the provinces of Sofala and Cabo Delgado.

For the first time, working with the Zambian Government, World Vision Zambia organised a vibrant and historic celebration of World Food Day in Mwinilunga District. The event brought together government officials, traditional leaders, partners, and community members to mark the occasion and officially launch the ENOUGH Campaign in North-Western Province. The event, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” aimed to raise awareness about child hunger and malnutrition while fostering collective action to address these critical issues.

World Vision Malawi mobilised CHWs to assess child nutrition and address malnutrition through school feeding programmes during food crises.