Why School Feeding Matters: Sarah's Story

For 35 years, Sarah dedicated her life to teaching children in Liberia. Recently, she shared a story that highlights the transformative impact of school feeding on children's education and well-being. 

Throughout her teaching career, Sarah saw firsthand how hunger affects learning. Before school feeding was introduced at her school, many children arrived hungry. Some struggled to concentrate, others fell asleep during lessons, and many lacked the energy to actively participate in class. 

One experience remains particularly memorable. A student in Sarah's class was so hungry that he nearly fainted. Concerned for his well-being, she paused her lesson and used her own money to buy food for him. After eating, his condition changed immediately. He returned to class alert and engaged, confidently answering questions and participating in the lesson. 

For Sarah, the lesson was clear:"a hungry child cannot learn." 

Today, Sarah is retired and cares for eight children, meeting their education, nutrition, and healthcare needs. Like many caregivers, she faces financial pressures and sometimes takes loans to cover medical expenses when resources are limited. 

She now experiences the benefits of school feeding from a caregiver's perspective. Four of the children in her care receive meals through WFP's School Feeding Programme, helping to ease pressure on the household budget while ensuring the children receive at least one nutritious meal during the school day. 

Reflecting on the impact of school meals, Sarah observed:"When there is food, you can see the difference," adding,"Children have energy. They participate. They compete to answer questions. They are excited to learn."

Sarah's experience underscores how school feeding contributes to improved learning, nutrition, and well-being. By helping children stay focused in class and supporting families facing economic hardship, school meals create opportunities for children to learn and thrive. 

Having witnessed these benefits both as a teacher and as a caregiver, Sarah's message remains simple and powerful:

"School feeding is very important in the lives of our children and for us parents too."