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.

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.

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.

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.

CSOs unite to ensure every child receives nutritious school meals by 2030, outlining strategies for collaboration with governments and key stakeholders.

A new child-led study by World Vision, involving 1,235 children aged 3–18, lays bare the lived reality of school meals

In Zimbabwe, children lead research to improve school meals through World Vision’s ENOUGH campaign, sharing challenges and hopes for nutritious school food.