The Sustenance of School Feeding Program in Chipata District: A Case of Selected Beneficiary Schools in Chipata District of Eastern Province, Zambia

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the sustainability of the school feeding program in Chipata district, focusing on its impact on school-community nutrition learning, challenges during implementation, and strategies for sustaining the program. Using a mixed-method approach, the findings indicated that learners exhibited nutritional knowledge following the introduction of the programme. Challenges, such as lack of funding, resources, and limited staff capacity, were identified. Strategies for sustaining the program, including integrating it into school policies, leveraging community involvement, and providing staff training, were shown to be effective in ensuring long-term success. The study emphasized the need for targeted interventions to address challenges and enhance the program’s sustainability. The Government through the Ministry of Education and donor institutions are urged to prioritize funding and infrastructure development. School head teachers should collaborate with community leaders and PTAs to increase engagement. The Ministry of Education is also encouraged to establish frameworks for regular assessments, while advocacy groups and policymakers should push for policies that institutionalize the program and integrate nutrition education into school curricula.