4 Ways School Feeding Programs Have Made An Impact To The Community
An estimate of 821.6 million people around the world does not have enough food. Economic crisis, political conflicts, natural disasters, and food price fluctuations contribute to hunger, especially in some of the world's most impoverished regions.
Sadly, children have been the most affected by world hunger. Hunger and poverty have kept children out of school, preventing them from having a promising future. It's for this reason that Village Hope International has stepped in to offer school feeding programs to malnourished children around the world.
The impact of these efforts has been simply incredible. The last few years have sealed the fact that school feeding programs generate a lasting impact that has shaped many nations' futures.
Here are some of the notable benefits of school feeding programs.
It promotes the health and development of children
The inadequate and improper diet causes malnutrition in growing children. This, in turn, hinders their development and activity. School feeding programs provide a simple and yet effective diet for children, which enhances their healthy development. It keeps nutrition diseases at bay, and children can reach adulthood.
It reduces poverty
As mentioned above, hungry children from low-income families do not have the luxury of going to school. They do not stand a chance of having a better future than their parents have. Hence, an unfortunate cycle of family poverty is almost unavoidable.
Feeding programs guarantee that such children have something to eat and look forward to going to school. What's more, every child, regardless of gender, has access to education. With education, they are better placed to complete education and have a better life in the future.
In addition, an increase in the number of children completing education in a community enhances the chances of that community experiencing a better economy and rising above poverty.
This is the power of well-fed children, thanks to the feeding programs.
It supports the children's guardians
It is the responsibility of parents/ guardians to cater to the needs of their children. However, poverty often renders these guardians helpless. The feeding programs benefit the children and their guardians since it takes the burden of feeding their children off their shoulders.
Without this responsibility, the guardians can concentrate on other tasks to enhance their way of life. This also means a lot of peace for them, knowing their children are fed in school.
It promotes local economies
Feeding programs are increasingly recognized as a huge investment in local businesses and human capital. The programs will often buy local produce to feed all the children in school, hence playing a huge role in promoting local economies, social stability, peace-building and national development.
Conclusion
School feeding programs have become a blessing to families, the community and the nation at large. It goes beyond the plate of food, delivering high areas in vital sectors such as education, health and nutrition, economies, agriculture, gender equality and social stability. Thanks to these programs, many children around the world have a reason to smile and look forward to the future.