Investing in the Future: Enhancing Educational Outcomes and Child Health through Increased Funding and Expansion of the School Feeding Programme in Zambia

This policy brief, Investing in the Future, presents a compelling case for expanding and increasing funding to Zambia’s School Feeding Programme as a strategic response to child hunger, malnutrition, and poor educational outcomes. Drawing on recent national and global data, the brief outlines the profound impacts of undernutrition on children's health, learning, and future prospects, particularly in rural areas. It highlights how, despite increased government allocations from K39.4 million in 2023 to a proposed K534.4 million in 2025, over 60% of eligible children remain uncovered by the programme.

World Vision Zambia, through its “Enough” campaign and direct school feeding interventions, urges the government to scale up its investment further, ensure universal access, and institutionalise sustainable funding mechanisms. With powerful evidence from districts like Chipili—where school enrolment rose by 40% following meal provision—the brief underscores the critical role of school meals in breaking the cycle of poverty, improving child health, and achieving Zambia’s development goals under the 8th National Development Plan, Vision 2030, and the SDGs. This document serves as both a call to action and a roadmap for stakeholders invested in securing a brighter, healthier future for Zambia’s children.