Background/Objectives: School meals play an important role in ensuring reliable, healthy access to food, but there are many barriers to participation, especially for rural students. This study examined the perceived impact of UFSM policies and the perceptions of school meals among students in rural areas of Maine. Methods: This mixed-methods study included surveys with n = 61 middle and high school students and interviews with n = 11 middle and high school students between 2023 and 2024. The surveys and interviews focused on potential impacts of UFSM policies as well as general barriers and facilitators to participation in school meals. Quantitative surveys were analyzed using logistic regression, adjusting for demographic characteristics. Interviews were analyzed using principles of content analysis. Results: Students reported that UFSM had multiple benefits, and many students perceived that providing free school meals for all helped reduce the stigma associated with school meals, in part through increased participation. Students liked the variety of foods offered, but many did not perceive school meals, especially breakfast, to be “fresh” or “healthy”. Additionally, many students perceived there to be long lunch lines and insufficient time to eat their meals. Conclusions: While students perceived multiple benefits to UFSM, opportunities to further improve the quality of school meals, as well as policies to ensure sufficient lunch period lengths, may be important complements to increase participation and consumption of school meals among rural students.

The role of sugar reduction on flavor and acceptance of school lunch chocolate milk.

Soil-transmitted helminths pose a significant public health challenge among school-age children in developing countries, such as Ethiopia. This study determined the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths, associated factors, and nutritional status of school-age children in Mekhoni town, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2025. A school-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 277 schoolchildren in Mekhoni town, Tigray, Ethiopia, from May 2024 to March 2025. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic characteristics of study participants, and stool samples were collected and processed using direct wet mount and Kato-Katz techniques. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and anthropometric indices were generated using the WHO AnthroPlus software to determine the nutritional status of schoolchildren. The data were analyzed using SPSS 27 software. Descriptive statistics were applied to present the data using frequency, tables, figures, and a bar graph. Bivariate logistic regressions were used to examine the correlation between the dependent variable and the individual independent variable, and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to determine the independent effect of the main explanatory variable on the outcomes of interest. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections was 16.2% (n = 45), with Ascaris lumbricoides being the most identified parasite, at 10.1% (n = 28), followed by Trichuris trichiura at 6.1% (n = 17), and hookworms, at 2.9% (n = 8). Of the infected children, 31 (18.7%) were males, and 14 (12.6%) were females. The number of infections is also higher among children within the age group of 5-10, 22 (18.4%), than among those 11-14 years old, 23 (14.65%). Factors significantly associated with increased odds of infection were having large family size (AOR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.18-5.55, P = 0.017), unclean fingernails (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.14-6.03, P = 0.022), untrimmed fingernails (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.006-5.03, P = 0.002), and lack of hand washing after visiting a toilet (AOR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.13-0.63, P = 0.002). The overall prevalence of undernutrition was 37.5% (n = 104), with 22.2% being underweight (n = 117), 27.8% stunted (n = 77), and 11.19% wasted (n = 31). There was no statistically significant association between STH infection and nutritional status among study subjects. The prevalence of STH infections was less than 20% (n = 45). The most common species of STH infections identified were Ascaris lumbricoides. The study also revealed a high prevalence of undernutrition among school-age children. Ensuring access to clean toilets and hand-washing facilities in the schools, introducing a school health and nutrition program are vital.

International studies show that school food programs (SFPs) can improve children's diets but evidence from Canada is nascent. We examined whether SFPs are linked to better dietary intake and diet quality among Canadian elementary schoolchildren. This cross-sectional study surveyed 2,366 grade 4-8 students (age 9-14 years; 48.9% girls) from 32 schools in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities in Alberta and Ontario, Canada. Students completed a 24-hour diet recall, recording foods and beverages consumed during school hours (breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack), and their source (school, other). Multivariable linear models examined the association of accessing SFPs (≥1 meal/snack provided by school) with student daily intakes of vegetables and fruit, grains and grain products, milk and alternatives, meat and alternatives, free sugars, sodium, and diet quality, adjusting for relevant confounders. Only 293 (12.4%) students accessed SFPs. Overall, accessing SFPs was associated with higher intake of vegetables and fruit (β=0.4, 95% CI=0.1; 0.7) and better diet quality score (β=1.8, 95% CI=0.7; 3.0). Specifically, morning snacks provided by schools were associated with lower intake of free sugars (β=-8.9, 95% CI=-16.5; -1.4), while school-provided lunches were associated with higher intake of milk and alternatives (β=0.5, 95% CI=0.2; 0.8). Further, school-provided afternoon snacks were associated with higher intake of vegetables and fruit (β=1.1, 95% CI=0.6; 1.6), lower sodium intake (β=-258.4, 95% CI=-506.7; -10.0), and better diet quality (β=3.1, 95% CI=1.1; 5.1). One in eight elementary schoolchildren accessed SFPs. Students who accessed SFPs had better diets, highlighting the potential of SFPs (particularly snacks) in improving children's diets.

Sustaining healthy food retail: do Australian and New Zealand government policies consider long-term change?

School meal programmes: improving health and equity in the European Union.

Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal Program (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing child nutrition and educational outcomes nationwide. However, its implementation faces persistent challenges related to human resource capacity, institutional coordination, and program management. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of 116 Scopus-indexed journal articles (2020–2025) to map global research trends in school feeding programs, focusing on human resource management and capacity building. Using VOSviewer, we identified five dominant thematic clusters: (1) capacity building and health promotion, (2) clinical nutrition interventions, (3) food security and policy governance, (4) education and organizational management, and (5) stakeholder engagement and leadership. "Capacity building" emerged as a central node across all themes, underscoring its foundational role in program sustainability. The findings offer a conceptual framework to inform Indonesia’s MBG implementation, highlighting the need for cross-sectoral coordination, localized capacity development, and professional training systems. This study contributes to evidence-based policy design by aligning Indonesia’s MBG initiative with global best practices in school nutrition governance.

Despite growing research on school food interventions aimed at promoting sustainable and healthy diets, the perspectives of adolescents regarding those interventions remain underexplored. This study explores adolescents’ understanding, perceived importance, and proposed strategies for (facilitating) healthy and sustainable food choices. A mixed-methods study was conducted among 296 adolescents (aged 12–16) at four Dutch secondary schools. Data was gathered through four consecutive methods: a questionnaire, focus group discussions, classroom discussions, and a group poster assignment. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression analyses. Qualitative data were analysed inductively through thematic analysis. Adolescents primarily associated healthy and sustainable food with vegetables, fruit, and organic products. Two-thirds of the sample perceived eating healthy food as (very) important, compared to 21% for sustainable food, while 12% indicated not knowing what sustainable food entails. Proposed strategies to facilitate healthy and sustainable food were grouped in four main categories: ‘strategies to change the food environment’ (e.g. price), ‘strategies to change the food system’ (e.g. sustainable food production), ‘strategies for communication and social support’ (e.g. advertisements), and ‘individual behaviour change strategies’ (e.g. grocery planning). Most strategies targeted the food environment and/or the food system. While health aspects of food were well understood and perceived as important by adolescents, future approaches should emphasize the relevance of sustainable food for adolescents by addressing values they care about. Adolescents call for structural changes, particularly requiring governmental and organizational actions to improve the offer of healthy, sustainable, and affordable food, requiring collaboration of diverse stakeholders.

Student Perceptions of School Lunch and Their Association With Self-Reported Participation in School Meal Programs.

Abstract Climate change is exacerbating extreme heat events, and individual cooling measures are becoming vital, particularly in communities lacking access to air conditioning or other cooling systems. This review introduces a new framework that bridges the gap between nutrition and climate adaptation, highlighting the potential of using traditional, nutrient-rich diets as evidence-based, practical methods to help individuals manage heat stress. We integrate biochemical, physiological, epidemiological, and cultural approaches, unlike most studies that have concentrated primarily on engineering or technological interventions, to demonstrate how regular foods help maintain body temperature, hydration, and mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress. Considering nutrition as a means of heat resilience, we can observe that familiar foods can provide cost-effective, easily available, and sustainable solutions to numerous vulnerable groups. Notably, we also discuss how to incorporate such traditional cooling foods into national food programs and school meal schemes, combining the local knowledge with contemporary climate adaptation policies. Although this approach is India-centred, it has broad applicability and can be used to provide a replicable, scientifically based, and culturally informed framework on how community heat resilience can be improved throughout the Global South.

Introduction: The nutritional status of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Down Syndrome (DS) is influenced by multiple food environment determinants. However, the precise relationship between food environment determinants and nutritional outcomes in these children remains unclear. This study aimed to understand the food environment determinants that are associated with the intake and nutritional status of these children in Malaysia, Lao PDR, and Indonesia. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 7- to 18-year-old students with ADHD and DS in three Southeast Asian countries. Sociodemographic characteristics, dietary habits, and repeated 24-hour food recall data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric data were obtained through direct measurements and analysed using the WHO AnthroPlus software. Further analyses were done using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: Total participants were 284 children, comprised of 37.7% with ADHD and 62.3% with DS; 62.3% of the children were boys and 37.7% were girls. Among the food environment determinants collected during the study, monthly household income and school food assistance status had significant associations (p&lt;0.05) with BMI-for-age z-score category and total energy, protein, zinc, and calcium intakes. While the country, type of residence, and type of school had significant associations with total energy, protein, zinc, and calcium intakes. Conclusions: Food environment determinants, particularly household income and access to school food assistance, significantly influence the nutritional status and intake of children with ADHD and Down Syndrome. Thus, strengthening inclusive nutrition programmes may improve outcomes for this vulnerable group in Southeast Asia

Introduction: The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has been growing significantly among children and adolescents, driven by the industrialization of the food system, the wide availability of these products, and the strong influence of marketing aimed at young audiences. According to the NOVA classification, UPFs are industrial formulations rich in sugars, saturated fats, sodium, and additives, while having low nutritional value. Evidence suggests that early adoption of this dietary pattern is associated with the development of cardiometabolic risk factors and an increased likelihood of Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases (NCDs) throughout life, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemias. Studiesil, studies indicate that these products may account for 20% to 35% of the total daily energy intake of children and adolescents, representing a significant nutritional and social challenge. This scenario is exacerbated by the influence of socioeconomic factors, the school and family food environment, and the reduced consumption of unprocessed foods, which are essential for promoting healthy growth and preventing long-term diseases. Objective: The present study aims to analyze recent scientific evidence on the relationship between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) or cardiometabolic risk factors in school-aged children and adolescents, synthesizing the metabolic, nutritional, behavioral, and social impacts associated with this dietary pattern. Methodology: This study is characterized as an integrative literature review, descriptive and exploratory in nature, covering studies published between 2021 and 2025. The searches were conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and CAPES Journals databases, using descriptors in Portuguese and English: “alimentos ultraprocessados,” “ultra-processed foods,” “children,” “adolescents,” “non-communicable chronic diseases,” and “non-communicable diseases.” Results and discussion: The analyzed studies show a consistent association between higher consumption of UPFs and worse cardiometabolic outcomes. National research indicates that children and adolescents with higher UPF intake have a higher prevalence of overweight, abdominal obesity, increased waist circumference, worse lipid profiles, insulin resistance, and inflammatory changes. Regional studies observed that UPFs make up a significant portion of the diet from the early years of life, reinforcing the early formation of inadequate eating habits. Socioeconomic factors, such as lower income and lower family education, also proved to be important determinants, with higher consumption among vulnerable populations. The included international studies broaden this perspective, showing that an ultraprocessed food pattern is associated not only with the risk of obesity but also with sedentary behaviors and worse psychological well-being. Conclusion: The findings of this review reinforce that frequent consumption of ultraprocessed foods represents an important modifiable risk factor for children and adolescents. Early exposure to these products compromises nutritional status, promotes metabolic changes, and increases the likelihood of future development of non-communicable diseases. In this context, prevention should begin in childhood, involving family, school, and health services, to promote healthier food choices and ensure better quality of life throughout the life cycle.

BackgroundObesity is a global public health crisis exacerbated by ultra-processed and nutrient-poor foods. Despite policy interventions, progress remains uneven due to socioeconomic, political, and industry barriers.ObjectiveThis review examines global food policies on obesity prevention, highlights implementation gaps, and suggests pathways for more equitable, coordinated action.MethodsA narrative review was conducted using literature from PubMed and Scopus (2017-2025), including peer-reviewed studies, policy documents, and international agency reports. Key search terms included "global food policies," "obesity prevention," "ultra-processed foods," "nutrition labeling," and "sugar taxes." Inclusion criteria encompassed studies on policy strategies for obesity prevention and healthier food environments.ResultsThe review categorized food policy interventions into key thematic areas: fiscal policies, nutrition labeling, marketing restrictions, regulation of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), out-of-home/food-service policies (eg, menu and nutrient labeling, portion-size and sodium limits, healthy defaults, procurement standards), school food policies, and international coordination. Evidence shows that front-of-package labeling and sugar-sweetened beverage levies are effective in some regions. Healthy food subsidies and purchase incentives yield mixed but promising results, especially among low-income groups. However, socioeconomic disparities, industry resistance, weak regulations, and poor multisector and public-private partnerships (PPPs) governance limit their scalability and sustainability.ConclusionsCurrent global food policy efforts are insufficient to curb the escalating obesity epidemic. Transformative, multisectoral, and equity-focused policy frameworks augmented by digital tools for monitoring, enforcement, and targeted health promotion are critical to accelerate progress and reduce inequities. Priority should be given to regulating UPFs, standardizing labels, tightening marketing controls, and integrating obesity prevention into health policies.

HighlightsWhat are the main findings?•Watching TV and playing video/computer games has differential associations with sleep duration among adolescents, and these associations differ by grade, gender, and ethnicity.What are the implications of the main findings?•These contextual differences in screentime should be considered when exploring how media use influences other health behaviors and outcomes. Researchers and policymakers involved in creating screentime guidelines should take into account the differences between passive and interactive media use. In essence, not all screentime is created equally.Background: Although several studies have reported associations between screentime and shortened sleep duration among adolescents, contextual relationships between different forms of screentime are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine how television (TV) watching (passive media use) and video/computer gaming (interactive media use) are associated with short sleep duration among 8th and 11th grade adolescents. Methods: We used data from adolescents (8th and 11th grade students) who participated in the Texas School Physical Activity and Nutrition (Texas SPAN) survey in 2015–2016. Sleep duration was the outcome variable, which was dichotomized into short sleep duration (less than 8 h) and meeting sleep recommendations (more than 8 h). Independent variables included daily TV screentime and video/computer game screentime. We used weighted logistic regression models to understand associations between sleep duration and both TV screentime and video/computer game screentime. Results: Among both 8th grade boys and Hispanic 8th grade girls, spending more than 2 h/day playing video/computer games was associated with greater odds of shorter sleep duration. Among 11th graders, TV screentime was associated with lower odds of shorter sleep duration. Conclusions: Watching TV and playing video/computer games have differential associations with sleep duration among adolescents, and these associations differ by grade, gender, and ethnicity. Researchers and public health agencies interested in associations between meeting sleep recommendations and screentime in adolescents should consider these contextual differences when designing and conducting studies related to electronic media use and sleep.

Background/Objectives: In 2023, the United States Congress amended Section 13 of the National School Lunch Act to allow non-congregate meal service as an option within the Summer Food Service Program in rural areas, creating “SUN Meals To-Go.” The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore caregivers’ perceptions of USDA rural non-congregate summer meal programs in California during the summer of 2024. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, qualitative study using an electronic 20-item survey instrument that was available in English and Spanish. Five school foodservice directors in California shared and/or posted at meal pick-up sites a flyer with a QR code leading caregivers to the survey instrument. A conventional content analysis was conducted with the open-ended responses and descriptive statistics were calculated for close-ended items. Results: Caregivers (n = 827) were primarily married (70.5%) and Hispanic/Latino (54.3%) women (85.5%). They (55%) reported using the 2024 summer meal program “most times” or “every time” it was available. Three themes were constructed through qualitative content analysis: (1) Family support and resource relief, (2) Navigating program accessibility and logistics, and (3) Nourishment and practicality: Reflections on food quality, nutrition, and sustainability. Conclusions: Caregivers highlighted that the program supported their families and provided resource relief. They indicated that accessibility and logistics were effective, provided ideas for fine-tuning the delivery of the program, described this program as supporting their children’s nutrition.

IntroductionUnderstanding the foods and beverages that children consume at school can help inform the development of school food programs, which has become a priority in Canada following the announcement of federal funding commitments and release of Canada’s first National School Food Policy in 2024. Therefore, the objective was to identify top sources of energy, nutrients to limit (sodium, sugars, and saturated fat), and nutrients to encourage (potassium, calcium, fibre, iron, and vitamin A) consumed by Canadian children at school.MethodsIntake data from the first day 24-hour recall of the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey – Nutrition was examined for children 4–18 y (n = 1,690) who consumed food at school. Foods and beverages were grouped into 28 categories (e.g., baked goods, fruit and vegetable juice and drinks etc.). Top categories were identified by frequency of consumption and percent contribution to total population-level intakes.ResultsTop sources of nutrients to limit often overlapped with top sources of nutrients to encourage. Handheld entrées was the top source of energy, sodium, saturated fat, calcium, and iron intakes at school. Fruits was the top source of sugars, potassium, and fibre and vegetables was the top source of vitamin A. By age group and sex, top sources were mostly similar with some differences in rankings and percent contributions.ConclusionsResults identified the top sources of energy, nutrients to limit, and nutrients to encourage consumed by Canadian children at school. Knowledge of these sources can inform the development of school food programs that aim to improve the diet quality of Canadian children at school.

HighlightsPublic health relevance—How does this work relate to a public health issue?Childhood overweight and obesity is an increasing public health concern in Indonesia, and school canteens represent a primary food environment for many school-aged children.Decisions made by canteen owners and school administrators directly shape the nutritional quality of foods and beverages available to children during the school day.Public health significance—Why is this work of significance to public health?This pilot study provides novel insights into canteen owners’ and school administrators’ perceptions of the acceptability and feasibility of stocking healthier, locally available foods and beverages.Children’s taste preferences, affordability, visual appeal, perceived nutrition, and profitability emerged as key factors influencing canteen stocking decisions in both urban and rural primary schools.Public health implications—What are the key implications or messages for practitioners, policy makers and/or researchers in public health?Future strategies to improve school food environments should account for children’s preferences as well as the economic and operational constraints faced by canteen operators.Introducing healthier options that align with existing taste preferences and canteen practices may support more feasible, acceptable, and sustainable school-based nutrition interventions.Childhood overweight and obesity is a growing public health challenge in Indonesia, affecting approximately one in five school-aged children. Because children spend substantial time at school and frequently obtain meals and snacks from on-site canteens, these settings represent an important opportunity for nutrition-focused interventions. As an initial step towards understanding factors influencing canteen stocking decisions, we assessed perceived taste, acceptability, and feasibility of healthier local foods and beverages from the perspectives of canteen owners and school administrators (n = 10) across five primary schools (n = 2 urban, n = 3 rural) in Magelang, Indonesia. Participants completed in-person taste tests of selected food and beverage options and participated in in-depth interviews exploring drivers of stocking decisions. IndoMilk (multi-cereal, reduced-sugar dairy beverage) received the most favorable taste ratings and was perceived as the most feasible option to sell, followed by sate telur puyuh (braised quail eggs) and sate buah (fresh fruit skewers). In contrast, gethuk (cassava/coconut cake) and polo pendem (steamed tubers with boiled peanuts) were viewed as less appealing to children and unlikely to be sold. Participants identified children’s taste preferences, affordability, visual appeal, and profitability as key considerations influencing stocking decisions, while perceptions of nutrition varied. Findings from this pilot study highlight contextual factors shaping school canteen food environments and may inform future interventions aimed at introducing healthier options while accounting for children’s preferences and canteen operational constraints.

This study aims to evaluate the nutritional needs of school children in relation to the Free Nutritious Eating (MBG) policy in Indonesia through a systematic literature review approach. The study was conducted on 26 scientific articles from various countries selected using the PRISMA 2020 method, with the inclusion criteria set include: (1) articles in the last ten years (2015–2025), (2) articles that explicitly discuss the nutritional needs of elementary to secondary school children, (3) articles that examine the contribution of school food programs to the fulfillment of children's nutrition, and (4) studies that are available in full text and written in English. The results show that school meals consistently make a significant contribution to meeting the needs of energy, protein, iron, calcium, fat, fiber and vitamin D, as well as positively impacting children's cognitive function and reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods, especially in low-socioeconomic groups. In addition, it was found that the success of the program was greatly influenced by the diversity of menus, children's preferences, physical activity, and public policy support. This research makes an important contribution in formulating evidence-based MBG policies that take into account actual nutritional needs, socio-cultural contexts, and behavioral dynamics of children. In conclusion, MBG has great potential as a national strategy to improve the nutritional status and equal access to food for school children, but its successful implementation requires a multidimensional approach and advanced local studies.

HighlightsWhat are the main findings?There is high availability and consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and limited access to safe drinking water in Mexican schools.Principals and teachers are aware of the School Food Guidelines (SFGs) but recognize barriers to their implementation, such as resistance from parents and students to adopting healthier eating habits, the economic dependence of school cooperatives on the sale of UPFs, and insufficient infrastructure in public schools to support the preparation and sale of nutritionally adequate foods.What are the implications of the main findings?Reinforce comprehensive and sustainable strategies for the proper implementation of SFGs that include schools, families, and the community, and establish a system to monitor the implementation of SFGs.Invest in school infrastructure that allows for the provision of healthy food and safe drinking water.Background: Childhood obesity and being overweight represent a global public health challenge; the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and ultra-processed foods (UPFs) contributes to this problem. In Mexico, public health policies have been implemented to improve school food environments. Objective: To assess the school food environment before the implementation of the guidelines for the preparation, distribution, and sale of food and beverages (SFGs) in three primary schools in Mexico City. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed method study was conducted, including structured non-participatory observation of selling points outside and inside of schools, and availability of drinking fountains and lunchboxes contents. A food waste audit assessment was performed to identify the most frequently consumed products, main ingredients, front-of-package labels, and colorants. Additionally, 23 semi-structured interviews were conducted with school authorities, teachers, and food vendors. Results: SSBs and UPFs selling points were observed outside and inside in public schools, while in private schools, only inside, with use of delivery food apps. Public schools lacked functional drinking fountains. A total of 345 food waste items were collected across the schools, of which 46.3% were SSBs and 53.7% were UPFs. The main ingredient was sugar (15.6%), the principal front-of-package was excess sugar (37.5%), and the most frequently used colorants were red 40 (25.1%). Interview participants reported awareness of the SFGs; however, they identified barriers such as resistance from parents and students and the economic dependence of school cooperatives on UPFs sales. Conclusions: These findings highlight structural and economic challenges for the effective implementation of public policies promoting healthier school food environments.

This study explores the role and impact of school feeding scheme programmes on learner well-being and academic performance in Limpopo Province, South Africa, using a qualitative research approach. School feeding schemes are essential interventions aimed at alleviating food insecurity and supporting educational development among socio-economically disadvantaged learners. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with learners, educators, parents, and school administrators. This approach provided a rich understanding of lived experiences and perceptions regarding the feeding programmes. The findings reveal that regular school meals enhance learners’ concentration, motivation, and emotional well-being, which in turn positively influence their participation and engagement in the classroom. Participants also highlighted how the programme fosters a sense of stability and routine for vulnerable children. However, concerns were raised about irregular food deliveries, inadequate infrastructure, and limited variety in meal content, which often hinder the programme's overall effectiveness. The study concludes that school feeding initiatives play a crucial role in learner support, but their success depends on consistent implementation, community involvement, and improved management practices. These findings provide practical insights for policymakers and education authorities to improve the management, consistency, and nutritional quality of school feeding programmes in rural contexts.