First Lady Rachel Ruto met with Brazil’s First Lady, Rosângela Lula da Silva, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, where the two leaders discussed strengthening the School Meals Coalition and advancing efforts to ensure that every child has access to nutritious meals at school.
The meeting underscored the growing global commitment to addressing child hunger, improving nutrition, and enhancing access to education through sustainable school feeding programmes.
“Through partnerships and collective action, we can transform the lives of millions of children and build a healthier future,” Rachel Ruto said following the discussions.
School Meals Coalition Gains Global Momentum
The School Meals Coalition has grown into a powerful global movement, bringing together more than 100 member countries and over 140 partners committed to expanding access to healthy and nutritious school meals.
The coalition seeks to achieve universal school meal coverage by 2030 through increased domestic financing, stronger food systems, and innovative technology-driven solutions.
Key Strategies to Strengthen School Feeding Programmes
Sustainable Financing
A major priority is ensuring school feeding programmes become self-sustaining through increased domestic investment. Governments are being encouraged to allocate more resources toward school meals, reducing reliance on donor support and creating long-term national solutions.
Supporting Smallholder Farmers
The coalition promotes home-grown school feeding models that connect schools with local farmers. This approach not only improves children’s nutrition but also strengthens local economies, creates jobs, and supports rural livelihoods.
Leveraging Digital Technology
Digital monitoring systems are increasingly being used to track meal delivery, improve accountability, and measure nutritional outcomes. These technologies help governments make evidence-based decisions and improve programme efficiency.
Promoting Nutrition and Sustainability
Modern school feeding programmes are focusing on balanced diets that include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing unhealthy food options. Environmental sustainability is also being prioritized through school gardens and clean cooking technologies.
Kenya’s School Feeding Success Story
Kenya continues to make significant progress through the Home-Grown School Meals Programme (HGSMP), which supports learners in food-insecure regions by sourcing food from local farmers.
In Nairobi, the innovative Dishi na County programme has emerged as a model for urban school feeding. The initiative provides subsidized meals to hundreds of thousands of learners using digital payment systems and smart wristband technology to improve efficiency and accountability.
The programme has contributed to improved school attendance, better nutrition outcomes, and increased support for vulnerable families.
Looking Ahead to 2030
Kenya is among the countries working toward expanding school feeding programmes to reach millions more learners by 2030. Through stronger partnerships, increased investment, climate-smart agriculture, and technology-driven solutions, the country aims to ensure that no child goes hungry while pursuing an education.
The discussions between Rachel Ruto and Rosângela Lula da Silva highlight the importance of international cooperation in advancing child nutrition and ensuring a healthier future for the next generation.
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