Govt urges stronger school feeding support
DODOMA:THE Tanzanian government has called on education and nutrition stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in supporting school feeding programmes and improving essential services in schools to enhance students’ health and learning.
Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology Wanu Hafidh Ameir made the call today in Dodoma during the commemoration of the African Day of School Feeding and the International School Meals urging stakeholders to support the government’s efforts by helping improve school infrastructure and services, including clean cooking energy, food storage facilities, kitchens, dining halls and handwashing stations.
Ms Ameir said the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology will continue to create a conducive environment for stakeholders to support the availability of essential services in schools.
She also called on parents to continue cooperating with schools to ensure pupils receive meals while at school, noting that proper nutrition is crucial for improving students’ health and academic performance.
“I commend Uwezo Tanzania for launching the ‘Kikombe cha Ndoto’ campaign aimed at promoting school nutrition. The campaign has helped mobilise parents to contribute to feeding programmes for children in schools,” she said.
This year’s commemoration was held under the theme “Nutritious Food and Clean Water in Schools: A Shared Responsibility.”
The deputy minister said the theme aligns with the Education and Training Policy 2014, which directs the government to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure essential services, including food, clean water and health services, are available for students.
She commended the efforts of the sixth-phase government for making significant investments aimed at improving the teaching and learning environment in schools.
However, she emphasised that education success also depends on the health of learners, noting that students spend much of their time at school.
ALSO READ: Msalato women support school feeding programme
“Access to nutritious food, clean water and safe sanitation facilities is essential for protecting students’ health and supporting effective learning,” she said.
Available statistics show that 63 per cent of pupils in pre-primary and primary schools were receiving school meals as of February 2026, equivalent to about 2,054,261 out of 12,233,108 learners.
In secondary schools, 69 per cent of students were benefiting from school feeding services, representing 2,054,261 out of 3,090,961 students.
Data also indicate that 68 per cent of schools have access to an improved source of drinking water, although only 55 per cent meet the basic water service standard, which requires water to be available regularly.
Ms Ameir also commended the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Governments (PO-RALG), for supervising the implementation of school nutrition guidelines and self-reliance education programmes that enable schools to establish projects supporting essential services.
She further urged the office to strengthen monitoring of foods sold within school environments to ensure they meet standards set by the World Health Organization and comply with child rights and national public health objectives.
Speaking on behalf of development partners, Deputy Country Director of the World Food Programme, Christine Mendes, urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to ensure every child receives safe and nutritious meals daily.
She said stronger coordination among ministries, local government authorities and communities, improved monitoring systems and sustainable financing are crucial in strengthening national school feeding programmes.
Ms Mendes also encouraged the adoption of nutrient-rich and fortified foods, increased dietary diversity and integration of school feeding programmes with school-based food production initiatives to enhance sustainability and improve nutrition among school children.
