School Feeding Program Research Articles

Climate action to enable quality education: exploring the potential of Eco-Schools to reverse the triple education crises in Rwanda

This article presents the results of research conducted between 2021 and 2023 by the Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS) with 240 partners including teachers, learners and parents in six Rwandan schools. A relational knowledge co-creation methodology was used to gain a shared understanding of education and climate change challenges in the schools and co-create solutions using the Eco-Schools problem-based learning pedagogy. The knowledge co-creation processes revealed a negative relationship at the intersection between climate change and quality education which is interrupting successful implementation of both the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC), and the School Feeding Programme policies of the Government of Rwanda, affecting national progress towards SDG 4 and SDG 13. However, by integrating climate action projects in the CBC, with practical skills and knowledge from parents and wider community members, education barriers caused by poor school conditions, and poor nutrition, health and comfort of learners are being removed, while the quality and relevance of teaching and learning in schools is being improved. The article therefore proposes the Eco-Schools programme as a potential means of simultaneously addressing the UN’s ‘triple crisis’ of inclusion, quality and relevance. Ultimately, by showing that it is possible to transform education in even the most challenged schools, at a relatively low cost, within a very short space of time (one school year) and without large-scale curriculum reform or infrastructure, the findings of this research promote wider, faster and more optimistic progression toward the UNESCO’s ‘Reimagining Education’ vision and the Greening Education Partnership targets.

THE SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME STRATEGIES AND LEARNER PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN MAKUENI COUNTY, KENYA

Objective: This paper sought to determine how school feeding programme strategies influence learner participation in public primary schools in Makueni County, Kenya. Theoretical Framework: The study was anchored on; Social Learning Theory, Abraham Maslow’s Theory of Human Motivation and theory of Change. Method: Descriptive and correlation research design were employed. The target population was 875 respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive, and inferential statistics. Results and Discussion: The findings were; there is no significant relationship between giving nutritious meals and learner participation was rejected from learners’ view but was not rejected as per the Headteachers, Teachers and Chairpersons board of governors’ view, there is no significant relationship among dietary teaching and learner participation was rejected from learners’ view but was not rejected as per the Headteachers, Teachers and Chairpersons board of governors’, there is no significant relationship between regular food supply during school days and learner participation was rejected from learners’ view but was not rejected as per the Headteachers, Teachers and Chairpersons board of governors’ view, there is no significant relationship between small-scale farmers’ engagement and learner participation was not rejected from learners’ view but was rejected as per the Headteachers, Teachers and Chairpersons board of governors’ views. Research Implications: The study found that learner participation within the study's territory was significantly correlated with the approaches used. The study recommends that Government Ministries of Education, Health and relevant Authorities, Head Teachers, Teachers, Chairpersons -BOM need to provide nutrition meals and dedicate adequate resources to sustain learner participation in Public Primary Schools in Makueni County, Kenya.

Influence of School Feeding Programs on Students’ participation in Sports Activities in Ilala District Council, Tanzania

This study investigated the influence of school feeding programs on students’ sports activities in Ilala District. It was conducted to examine primary school pupils’ participation in sports before the introduction of feeding programs, to determine the relationship between school feeding programs and pupils’ participation in sports in primary schools, and to highlight improvements in students’ participation in sports activities after the introduction of school feeding programs in primary schools in Ilala District. The study employed a convergent research design under a mixed research approach. A sample of 168 respondents, including head teachers, sports teachers, and pupils purposefully chosen from selected primary schools in Ilala District were involved in the study. Data were gathered by using questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. The quantitative data were analysed by using descriptive statistics with the help of SPSS version 25 while the qualitative data were analysed thematically. The results showed that the school feeding programs enhance students' physical fitness for sports activities. It was revealed that, before the introduction of the feeding programs, students' participation in sports was low as many of them were inactive and others found it difficult to participate due to the lack of food in their schools. Moreover, it was found that the introduction of feeding programs had positively changed students’ attitudes towards sports and improved their health and participation in sports. The study recommends that the authorities responsible for education have to make every possible effort to sustain and expand the feeding programs and establish special committees for effective management and monitoring to ensure that children get food in schools on a continuous basis.

Public Policies, Sustainable Purchases and Family Farming in Brazil – 2013 a 2023

Objectives: to characterize and analyze the public policies and sustainable purchases that contribute to reducing environmental impacts and promote the development of family farming. In order to address the general objective of the research, the following specific objectives were carried out: 1) Contextualize family farming in Brazil; 2) Present and analyze the following public policies focused on family farming: Low Carbon Agriculture - ABC Plan, National Program for Strengthening Family Farming - PRONAF, Food Acquisition Program - PAA and National School Feeding Program - PNAE and 3) discuss the process of sustainable bidding and family farming. Methodology and data sources: the methodology used to achieve the study's objectives was tabular and graphical analysis of secondary data. The data sources were collected from the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Family Farming (MDA), the Central Bank of Brazil (BCB) through the Rural Credit Matrix, the National Supply Company (CONAB), the National Fund for Educational Development (FNDE) and data from the National Secretariat for Rural Social and Productive Inclusion (SEISP) through the Secretariat for Evaluation, Information Management and Single Registry (SAGICAD) platform. In addition, exploratory research was carried out using a bibliographic survey to support the results found. The period of analysis was from 2013 to 2023. Results: It is important to consider that the public policies mentioned above contribute to aligning economic, social and environmental aspects. Based on the evidence obtained, the programs proved to be effective in their aim of supporting family farming. Therefore, in order to continue their actions, it is recommended that the main characteristics of their design be maintained, which have been fundamental to achieving their results and, above all, that resources for their actions be expanded and guaranteed.

Influence of School Feeding Programme on Pupils’ Academic Performance in Public Primary Schools in Mwatate Sub-county, Taita Taveta County, Kenya

Influence of School Feeding Programme on Pupils’ Academic Performance in Public Primary Schools in Mwatate Sub-county, Taita Taveta County, Kenya

Complex Governance Network Analysis Between Brazilian Public Policies

Objective: The objective of this article is to create a Complex Governance Network Analysis Framework between two public policies. To prove the predictions of this study, the Theoretical Framework proposed here was applied between the National School Feeding Program (PNAE) and the School Health Program (PSE) in two locations. Theoretical Framework: To discuss the objective of this article, the approaches of Complex Governance Network (Morçöl, 2023) and Individual and Social Learning (Habermas, 1984, 1987; Lankester, 2013; Maarleveld and Dangbenonpag, 1999) were used. Method: This research is of a qualitative-descriptive nature and abductive logic, using as a strategy a study of multiple embedded cases and collection of primary and secondary data. Results and Discussion: By proposing a complex governance network analysis framework between two public policies, this study made a theoretical contribution by adding more dimensions to this theoretical lens. The study of learning contributes to understanding the cognitive evolution of the population, including adult learning, a responsible individual active in public policies. Research Implications: As practical contributions, this research helps in monitoring and structuring strategies in public management. Because, by understanding the learning level of each public servant, it is possible to observe the creativity of each actor involved in solving problems. Originality/Value: The study of learning contributes to understanding the cognitive evolution of the population, including adult learning, a responsible individual active in public policies.

Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE): um modelo conceitual das barreiras à aquisição de alimentos da agricultura familiar

ABSTRACT: The National School Feeding Program (PNAE) is the oldest and most extensive food and nutrition program in Brazil. Art. 14 of Law 11.947 stipulate that at least 30% of its operational resources need be used to purchase family farming products. However, there are important barriers that hinder the application of this law. The present article developed a conceptual model that described and analyzed the barriers to this requirement. A systematic literature review identified twelve barriers, divided into three constructs political administrative infrastructure and human capital, which enables PNAE management to develop mitigation strategies, including a larger number of farmers in the program, thereby increasing its efficiency.

EFFECT OF SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME PRACTICES ON STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN MATHEMATICS SUBJECT IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN RWANDA

The purpose of this study is to evaluate how school feeding programs impact academic performance in mathematics among students in public primary schools within Nyanza District. Its objectives were twofold: firstly, to assess the effectiveness of these feeding programs secondly, to determine the relationship between the feeding program and students academic achievements. The research employed a descriptive research design, utilizing both questionnaires and interviews to gather data. A sample size of 173 participants was determined using the Yamane formula, consisting of 155 teachers and 18 head teachers selected via simple random sampling and purposeful selection methods. Data collection involved administering teacher surveys and conducting interviews with head teachers. The gathered quantitative data were analyzed using IBM/SPSS, focusing on percentages and correlation coefficients. Key findings indicated mixed perceptions among respondents regarding the adequacy of food and cleanliness of water provided by the feeding programs. Approximately half of the respondents believed their students performed well in national mathematics exams and learned effectively after lunch, while a majority felt that learners were motivated during teaching activities. The study found a moderate positive correlation (coefficient of determination = 0.809) between aspects of the school feeding program and students academic performance in mathematics. Limitations of the study included potential biases in self-reported data and the narrow geographical focus on Nyanza District, limiting generalizability to other regions. Implications suggest that improving the quality and consistency of school feeding programs could positively influence academic outcomes in mathematics.

The Prevalence of Malnutrition among Children Aged 6-10 Years in Umuahia South, Abia State, Nigeria

The challenges of hunger and inadequate intake of food which hampers the nutritional status of children remains an issue of concern in Nigeria. This study assessed the prevalence of malnutrition among children aged 6-10 years in Umuahia South, Abia State. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the respondents for the study. Two hundred and twenty three (223) children 6-10 years were randomly selected from three community schools in Umuahia South. Structured and validated questionnaires were used in data collection. Data collection included basic characteristics of children, socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the parents. Food habits of the participants, anthropometric characteristics of the children. Data obtained from the study were analyzed using Statistical Package for Service Solution (SPSS) for Windows Version 20. Descriptive statistics, frequency, percentages, Pearson’s correlation, cross tabulation and chi-square were used to examine the relationship between the variables, significance was accepted at p<0.05. Almost all the children (99.6%) were immunized. About half of the households (57.8%) had a size of 4-6 persons. More than one third of the mothers’ had secondary (46.2%) and tertiary (30.9%) education. Most of the households used tap (70.4%) and borehole water (16.1%) as their major source of water. The households used gas (37.7%) and firewood (22.4%) mainly as cooking fuel. Based on the anthropometric status of the children, about 29.6% of the children were stunted, 5.8% were underweight and 2.6% were thin. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between the mother’s education, source of water supply, mother’s occupation and underweight in the children. In addition, there was a significant relationship (p<0.05) between mothers’ occupation, source of energy, type of toilet, good health facility and stunting in the children. There was a significant relationship (p<0.05) between mother’s education, source of water supply, source of energy, good health facility, type of housing and BMI-for-age in the children. Socio economic characteristics of the mothers was an important factor in the health and nutritional status of children. There is need for school feeding programs and nutrition education to improve on children’s health and feeding habit.

Evaluating Double-Duty Actions in Rwanda's Secondary Cities.

The double burden of malnutrition (DBM) is escalating in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including in Rwanda, most notably in urbanizing areas. The 2019-2020 Rwanda Demographic Health Survey (DHS) revealed that 33% of children under 5 years old are stunted while 42% of women in urban areas are overweight or obese. This coexistence has contributed to a surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly in secondary cities. Using the World Health Organization's (WHOs) "double-duty action" (DDA) concept, this study aims to identify and evaluate interventions with double-duty potential in Rwanda's Rusizi and Rubavu districts and generate key recommendations for their improvement. A desk review of national policies pinpointed four programs with the greatest DDA potential: early childhood development (ECD) centers, the school feeding program, farmer field schools (FFS), and the provision of nutrition-sensitive direct support. In-person interviews with key stakeholders assessed the implementation of each program and a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis was used to generate context-specific recommendations for their improvement. The main finding of this research is that Rwanda's potential to address the DBM can be improved across multiple sectors by implementing a few key changes: targeting beliefs surrounding nutrition, improving trainings for community educators, enhancing parent-particularly father-involvement, and engaging in close monitoring and follow-up. These findings offer actionable streps that governments and nutrition stakeholders can take to improve similar interventions in other rapidly urbanizing LMICs.

Assessing the Impact of School Feeding Programs on the School Enrolment of Children in Primary Schools: A Case Study of T/A Chimwala Mangochi Malawi

Assessing the Impact of School Feeding Programs on the School Enrolment of Children in Primary Schools: A Case Study of T/A Chimwala Mangochi Malawi

The Impact of Malaysia’s Feeding Program on Orang Asli Families

This study examines the impact of feeding programmes on indigenous households in Malaysia, focusing on nutritional, economic and educational outcomes. Historically dependent on traditional agriculture and gathering, indigenous people in Malaysia face significant socio-economic challenges exacerbated by modernisation and urbanisation. School and community feeding programmes have been implemented by the government in partnership with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with the aim of addressing these challenges by improving access to nutritious food. This study assessed the effectiveness of these programmes through a narrative review and quantitative analysis of survey data from 96 Orang Asli. The results showed significant improvements in health and nutritional status In addition economic benefits were noted, with the feeding programmes reducing household food expenditures and indirectly increasing work efficiency and economic stability. However, the impact on emotional and mental health, while positive, was less pronounced and requires further investigation. This study highlights the importance of continued support and strengthening of the feeding programme and suggests integrated policy measures for the socio-economic development of the Orang Asli community.

Countless Joy: The Lived Experiences of Elementary School Teachers in the Implementation of School Feeding Program Analysis

The well-being of the school children is a topic of growing concerns, which focuses on this study to sought and investigate the experiences of elementary school teachers engaged in executing the school feeding program at elementary school. Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs offers a useful framework for understanding how teacher’s implementation of feeding programs aligns with the fundamental needs of students. Utilizinga qualitative- phenomenological approach, researcher formulated a focused research question to unravel the nuanced experiences in emplementing the “ Countless Joy” school feeding program. The study involved a group of ten ( 10 ) elementary school teachers. Thematic analysis was a commonly used in this context. Lived experiences of elementary school teachers in the implementation of the school feeding program were: navigating success in school feeding implementation, tailoring impactful to the children through comprehensive assessment,collaborating with the stakeholders, ensuring nutrition in meal plans, engaging in monitoring and evaluation for conti

Progress toward impact at scale of orange‐fleshed sweetpotato in Ghana

AbstractSweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) was known as a minor root crop in Ghana. Starting in 2010, the International Potato Center (CIP) and multiple partners implemented orange‐fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) projects to reposition this crop in Ghana. CIP‐led projects from 2010 to 2021 were identified as Research for Development Initiative projects. These projects consisted of (i) new variety development and commercial seed systems (Sweetpotato Action for Security and Health in Africa: 2009–2019); (ii) OFSP products for business development, breeding‐seed system linkages, strategic awareness for demand creation, sensitization, capacity building, advocacy, and strengthen public‐private partnerships (Jumpstarting OFSP: 2014–2017); (iii) research on shelf‐life and appropriate storage practices (two U.S. Agency for International Development's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance: 2013–2015 and 2017–2018); and (iv) innovative on‐farm variety testing using the ClimMob‐CitizenScience method (Triadic Comparison of Technologies– roots, tubers, and bananas scaling: 2020–2021). In November 2020, CIP withdrew from Ghana, and the scaling partner, the Reputed Agriculture 4 Development Foundation, led this project up to the end. Strengthened partnerships have driven the expansion of OFSP into value chains. Key partners driving changes were private sector producers and processors, small‐holder farmers, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research institutes, universities, Women in Agricultural Development, Government Extension, Ghana Health Service, and Ghana School Feeding Program. AGRA OFSP for scaling in Ghana (2021–2022) revealed OFSP notably contributed to food security, health, and wealth. It fits in the Food System and contributes to Food Justice in Ghana. Future scaling will depend on consistent policies and efforts to respond to challenges and opportunities along the value chain for sustainability. Impact pathways of theories of change and scaling helped us understand the scaling progress of OFSP in Ghana.

Perception of parents on the nutritional relevance of school feeding programme in Nigeria

The Home-Grown School Feeding Program (HGSFP) was deemed a truly nutritious and educationally beneficial initiative upon its reintroduction. It was commendable considering the unstable state of the economy and the substandard domestic living conditions brought on by multifaceted poverty. To increase the nutritious intake of at least 2.5 million school-age children, the HGSFP set out to serve a meal a day in 2004. The targeted group at the time made up roughly 10% of all elementary school students. Perhaps not enough consideration has been given to whether the program's sustainability and implementation strategy are appropriate for achieving the program's two main goals of raising students' nutritious intake and learning outcomes. Therefore, it became imperative to ascertain the degree to which respondents believed the school feeding program had improved students' nutritional status in basic schools and to investigate the degree to which parents believed the program had improved students' academic performance. While adopting the survey research design the respondents were drawn from among parents randomly selected and served with a structured questionnaire. Findings indicated that inherent challenges with the manner of implementation have made the HGSFP not serve the envisaged purpose of enhancing pupils’ nutrition and learning. It was recommended that the government should ensure proper implementation of HGSFP to enable the essence of the program which has to do with qualitative nutrition and academic outcomes to be continually achieved.

Role of Stakeholders’ Collaboration in the Implementation of School Feeding Programme: A Case of Twelve Years Basic Education Schools in Nyabihu District, Rwanda (2020-2022)

This study was carried out to assess the role of stakeholders’ collaboration in the implementation of school feeding programme of twelve years basic education schools in Nyabihu District, Rwanda. The study utilized a convergent research strategy to collect both quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously. Questionnaires, interviews, documentations and observation were the techniques employed to obtain the primary data and secondary data. The population of the study comprised of 75 stakeholders. Census sampling was used and samples of 75 stakeholders were drawn. For collecting data, researcher organized well-structured questionnaire; data were edited and sorted for the next stage. The data were presented in statistical tables, with frequencies and percentages for classifications of responses by statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) for easier analysis and interpretation. Data from interview sessions was obtained from 4 chairpersons of school general assembly committees. Data from documentation was obtained from school records whereas data from observation were obtained before and during lunch periods. The results indicated that there is positive and significant effect on the role of parents’ engagement on the implementation of school feeding program in twelve years basic education schools (R=.979, p<0.05). To make implementation of school feeding program very successful, parents should make timely payments for their school food donations. To administer the school feeding program, parents should collaborate closely with school administration. Parents must participate in the school meal program rather than believing that it should only be funded by the government.

Underpaid, undervalued, and overworked: The working conditions of cooks in India's school lunch programme

AbstractMotivationSchool feeding programmes employ more than 4 million people globally and have the potential to contribute to the realization of multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including decent work and reducing inequalities. However, the working conditions and experiences of workers in these programmes have received little attention from academics and policy‐makers alike. Consequently, it is currently unclear what the impacts of the employment generated are and whether this employment reduces or perpetuates inequalities.PurposeThis article examines the extent to which school feeding programmes can generate beneficial employment by examining the experiences of cooks in the world's largest school lunch programme, India's Midday Meal Scheme. The article focuses on five key areas: who is employed; their pay; their workload; their access to social protection; and the effects of privatization.Approach and methodsTo examine these five areas, data from three sources are combined: primary data collected in Rajasthan; state‐level secondary data; and the analysis of national‐level documents.FindingsThe findings show that national policy creates a system in which cooks in the Midday Meal Scheme are underpaid, undervalued, and overworked. These working conditions are underpinned by a series of assumptions and narratives which are all too common in perceptions of care work: that the work is unskilled, not time consuming, and motivated by altruism. The state's lack of regard for these workers is evident in the growing privatization of the scheme.Policy implicationsOverall, the findings show that policy on school feeding programmes, including those in India, needs to ensure that those working in the scheme are treated as employees and receive sufficient pay and benefits. Providing decent work in these programmes has the potential to not only reduce poverty and inequalities but also to improve the implementation of school feeding programmes.

Impact of School Feeding Programs on Student Attendance and Performance in Ghana

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of school feeding programs on student attendance and performance in Ghana.Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.Findings: School feeding programs in Ghana significantly boost student attendance and academic performance, particularly benefiting girls and children in rural areas. These programs reduce hunger, improve nutrition, and increase engagement, leading to enhanced educational outcomes and lower dropout rates.Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, social cognitive theory & expectancy-value theory may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of school feeding programs on student attendance and performance in Ghana. Implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of feeding programs regularly. Integrate school feeding programs into national educational policies as a fundamental component of the educational framework.

Large-scale production of non-conventional edible plants for biodiverse school meals.

School feeding programs are important for ensuring food security and promoting child health and development, particularly in low-income countries. In view of this importance, it is possible to increase the quality of these meals by diversifying the vegetables offered and incorporating underutilized plants to improve dietary diversity and nutritional quality into school meals. This study was carried out using the action research methodology following the implementation and development of the "Inova na Horta" project in the city of Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil. The project was based on the existing and functioning physical and organizational structure of a municipal organic farm. Vegetables were selected from among 210 non-conventional species and varieties, which were further selected for continuous production based on 8 nutritional, culinary and cultivation criteria. Thirty-four vegetables were selected for continuous cultivation and provisions to the school kitchens. Nine tons of vegetables were produced and provided to 90 municipal schools from 2020-2023. Leafy vegetables accounted for most the production, with a total weight of 6441 kg corresponding to 71.6% of the total harvest. Kitchen teams were trained throughout the project duration. The feasibility of the production and culinary use of 34 biodiverse, nutrient-rich and underutilized food vegetables for school meals was demonstrated. The selected vegetables are nutrient-rich and contain higher amounts of minerals and proteins than the control vegetables (conventional vegetables), thus complementing several nutrients in school meals. This methodology can be replicated by municipalities of various sizes as a public policy of food and nutritional security associated with the valorization of local biodiversity.

Microbiological Safety and Nutritional Adequacy of Composite Porridge Flour Used in a Selected School-Feeding Program in Kamuli District, Uganda

By providing nutrient-enriched meals, the Iowa State University-Uganda Program plays a crucial role in combating hunger and improving school attendance by pupils in Kamuli district, Uganda. The lunchtime meals for pupils in primary grades 3 to 7 consist of a blend of maize grains and beans cooked together with vegetables and eggs to enhance their nutritional value. The program introduced a new composite porridge flour (44% maize, 26% millet, and 18% amaranth grain) for feeding pupils from kindergarten to primary grade 2 at break time. However, the microbiological safety of the flour for making the porridge had yet to be assessed. Additionally, though the proportions of the flour ingredients were known, its proximate composition and energy density were unknown. Hence, the porridge’s contribution to each pupils recommended dietary allowance had never been evaluated for adequacy. This study, therefore, assessed the microbiological safety and nutritional adequacy of the composite flour (n = 5 batches). Fungal contamination was determined by spread plating on acidified Potato Dextrose agar. Aflatoxin concentrations were determined by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Proximate composition was determined following standard methods. Gross energy was estimated using the energy conversion factors. To evaluate nutritional adequacy, the contribution of the porridge flour to pupils’ RDA was compared with the 1998 FAO/WHO RDA guidelines. The mean fungal count (4.4 ± 0.1 log cfu/g) slightly exceeded the acceptable maximum limit (4 log cfu/g), although no aflatoxins were detected, thus indicating satisfactory microbial safety. The flour predominantly contained carbohydrates (81.0% ± 0.7), moderate amounts of protein (8.2% ± 0.1), and crude fat (7.6% ± 0.5) alongside minimal levels of total ash (1.8% ± 0.1) and crude fiber (1.7% ± 0.6). Its contribution to the pupils’ RDA was very minimal owing to the low porridge intake (about 10 g dry matter per pupil per day). Therefore, there is an urgent need to enhance the nutrient profile of the composite flour by incorporating more protein and fiber rich ingredients and increasing the serving size to meet the dietary needs of the pupils. The flour could also be extruded to ensure a higher bulk density of the porridge.