More than a meal: school feeding program nourishes minds

During a recent visit, the World Food Program (WFP) extended an invitation to a group of media delegates in Madaba to provide insights into the Kingdom's National School Feeding program and its model for promoting healthy meals. This visit coincided with the commencement of the new scholastic semester.اضافة اعلان

During the visit, journalists and media professionals had the opportunity to tour the production kitchen in the governorate, where meals for children are prepared. Additionally, they visited Aisha Umm al Momineen School, which is located in the eastern neighborhood of the governorate and is one of the schools benefiting from the program. The program is dedicated to addressing issues related to food insecurity and promoting healthy eating among its participants.

WFP's estimations indicate that this year, approximately 345 million people will face food insecurity, which is twice the number compared to 2020. In response to this alarming increase in food insecurity and malnutrition, WFP is actively working to bridge these gaps and provide support.

More than just a meal, a habit change
Khaled Ayoub told Jordan News that the School Feeding Activity Manager at WFP, underscored that the program is about more than simply nourishing children. It is a multi-faceted initiative that also aims to create job opportunities and bolster the local economy. Moreover, it's a vehicle for imparting crucial awareness messages to children, encouraging them to adopt healthier eating habits.

Employment opportunities for women
Across the Kingdom, over 250 women are employed in 11 production kitchens, all protected under the umbrella of social security. Meanwhile, Ayoub recounted a recent meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, who demonstrated keen interest in making vegetables and fruits more accessible and affordable for everyone, ensuring the program's sustainability.

The impact on the local community
Meanwhile, Jumana Al-Turman, the director-general of Aisha Umm al Momineen School, illuminated the impact of the program on her local community. Situated in a vibrant neighborhood inhabited by people from various nationalities, including Syrians, Egyptians, Yemenis, Sudanese, and others, the school has become a symbol of unity.

For some students, economic hardship renders them unable to bring pocket money to school for food. Fortunately, this program has become a lifeline, providing young minds with healthy, nutritious meals packed with essential vitamins. Turman proudly noted that the quality of these meals continues to improve, reflecting an unwavering commitment to the students' well-being.

Reduction of absences
Indeed, the program has become a powerful motivator, ensuring that students eagerly attend school daily. The tangible result? A noticeable reduction in absences, with some students attending solely to partake in the nourishing meals before continuing their day.

Approximately 800 to 900 students in Aisha Umm al Momineen School benefit from this invaluable program. Across the kingdom, nearly half a million students aged 5 to 11 enjoy the benefits of the National School Feeding Program.



This comprehensive initiative comprises two categories: the first caters to around 430,000 students who receive date-filled biscuits, while the second aids approximately 90,000 students across six governorates: Madaba, Al-Balqa, Al-Mafraq, Irbid, Al-Karak, and Al-Tafilah.

The program's impact is not confined to the present. Scientific studies conducted alongside its implementation have revealed tangible improvements in the health, nutrition, and educational outcomes of the students it serves.

The production kitchen: cleanliness, cooperation, and attention
Furthermore, Ala'a Shelleh, the program manager at the Royal Health Awareness Society, emphasized the measures taken to maintain impeccable hygiene within the kitchen. All kitchen staff undergo regular health checks to ensure they are free from diseases. Furthermore, they don gloves, masks, and head-to-foot coverings to guarantee the pristine quality of the meals prepared for the students.

When it comes to the meals themselves, Shelleh revealed that they comprise an array of fruits and pastries. Bananas and apples, cucumbers and apples, alongside pastries with cheese, thyme, vegetables, or a combination thereof, grace the children's plates.

Shelleh took pride in the fact that the pastries are crafted in select bakeries chosen for their commitment to cleanliness and precision. An additional layer of scrutiny is provided by food experts who periodically inspect these bakeries, offering valuable insights for continuous improvement. Teams from the Food and Drug Administration also conduct regular inspections to ensure the highest quality standards are upheld.

To further bolster safety, the vegetables and fruits destined for the children's meals are thoroughly washed with a specialized sanitizer. Special paper towels are used to dry them, as ordinary paper towels or napkins could inadvertently introduce harmful bacteria.

The program also accommodates students with food allergies, such as wheat intolerance. Corn flour is thoughtfully substituted for wheat flour in these cases, and specific signage ensures that these meals reach the deserving children.

The seeds of this program were sown in 1999, with a clear mission to enhance the nutritional and health status of students in government schools in impoverished areas. Today, it stands as a testament to what collective dedication and vision can achieve, nourishing the bodies and minds of future generations.


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