By Mansi Kotak & Muskan Singh | Reporting Team
Did you know that 8.4 million children in Kenya go without school meals every day? Many children struggle to stay focused in class without the nutrition they need, fall behind, or drop out entirely. But here’s the good news: for every US$1 we invest in school feeding, there is an ROI (Return on Investment) of US$9 (World Food Programme).
In 2024, we celebrated a huge milestone in our Meals Program: over one million meals served since its launch. What began as a small initiative in 2016, providing just 5,000 meals, has become a vital mission to end school hunger and provide hope for Kenya’s most vulnerable students.
YOU — our generous donors, partners, and local communities made this incredible achievement possible. Together, we are not just feeding children; we are helping them thrive and ensuring a brighter, healthier future for our communities.
The Heart of Our Mission: Rose's Story
Meet Rose, a junior secondary student whose life was transformed by the School Meals Program. For years, Rose had to walk back home in the scorching heat every day for lunch. When she returned, she was exhausted and couldn’t focus on her lessons. This daily struggle was overwhelming, but she had no choice — until everything changed in Year 7.
When Rose enrolled in the School Meals Program, she found a meal and renewed hope. The program freed up the time she would have otherwise spent walking, and she can now focus on her studies instead of worrying about where her next meal will come from. One of Rose’s favourite parts of the meal is the chapati, a delicious addition made possible by your support.
Rose shared, “The meals have filled me with hope. I can now concentrate better in class and am not as tired. The food has made a difference in my life, and I want this program to continue growing and supporting many more students.”
This isn’t just about food — it’s about creating opportunities for students like Rose to focus on what matters most: their education.
The Power of Food: More Than Just Meals
The impact of the School Meals Program goes beyond filling bellies. Research from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows that schools with feeding programs have lower dropout rates. When children know they’ll get a meal, they’re far more likely to stay in school, reducing the financial burden on families and encouraging children to complete their education.
Mr Philip, one of our partner school headteachers, shared:
“The meals have brought so much comfort to parents. They no longer worry if their children will go hungry, knowing they will return home nourished and energised.”
This program supports the children and strengthens the relationship between schools, families, and communities, creating a sustainable model for long-term impact
Our Goal for 2025: 500,000 Meals
Thanks to your continued support, we’ve reached a significant milestone. However, the need is still great, and we’re committed to expanding the program further.
In 2025, we have already served nearly 35,000 meals so far. We aim to serve 500,000 meals to children in need across our partner schools, expanding our work to even more neglected rural areas. And we need your help to make that happen. For every $25 (~Kshs. 3,100) you donate, we will serve 200 meals for students like Rose — meals that will nourish them, fuel their education, and give them the tools they need to succeed.
Each donation will directly support children’s education, health, and well-being and help us continue building a brighter future for Kenya’s young learners.
How You Can Help:
By contributing to our School Meals Program, you become a part of something bigger than just a meal — providing hope, opportunity, and a future. Together, we can empower thousands of children to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams.
You can donate securely online by clicking here, or through M-Pesa via Pay Bill: 744040, Account No: SchoolMeals2025.
A Heartfelt Thank You from Our Program Team
Thank you for your continued generosity. Your support brings unparalleled joy to the faces of the children we serve. When they line up for lunch, they’re not just getting food — they’re receiving the gift of a future filled with possibility.
We are deeply grateful for your contributions. We are creating a stronger, healthier, and more resilient future for Kenya’s children. Asante!
Links:
By Muskan Singh & Elizabeth Okumu | Reporting Team
By Muskan Singh & Elizabeth Okumu | Reporting Team
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