School Meals in Ethiopia: Lessons and recommendations from 7 regions of Ethiopia

The School Feeding Programme (SFP) implemented by Save the Children from 2020 to 2023, funded by the Global Partnership for Education, aimed to address the educational challenges faced by 15.5 million out-of-school children in Ethiopia, particularly the 7.7 million in emergency contexts. The SFP provided daily meals or high-density energy biscuits to over 235,000 children in 648 schools across seven regions, alongside supporting Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) facilities and training for teachers, parents, and school management. The program significantly improved school enrolment, attendance, and educational outcomes, enhancing girls’ participation and overall well-being. However, it highlighted the need for equivalent investment in the education system to prevent overcrowding and ensure quality education.

The SFP also emphasized the importance of addressing other factors affecting school enrolment and the necessity for sustainable, multi-sector funding models to maintain school feeding programs in crisis-affected areas.