Students receiving in-school snacks are provided with a serving of seasonal fresh fruits or vegetables (such as apple, banana, pear, nectarine, apricot or carrot) and an individual-size carton of ultra-high temperature milk or a package of roasted nuts during each school day. All items are locally produced, and the nuts are locally procured, which supports the local economy and builds positive relationships within the community.
The snack package reflects consideration of nutrient options designed and selected with guidance by WFP nutritionists, and the active participation of the school officials, parents, boys and girls, and community focus group discussions. The snack ration delivers approximately 250 calories and is calibrated to fill a hunger gap while providing children with diverse, locally available options, hence acting as a visual reinforcement of what a healthy snack can look like.
Digital Tracking System
WFP developed a school meals system that helped digitalize the tracking process of school snacks, providing the different stakeholders (schools, suppliers and CPs) with a platform to manage the snacks as soon as the food request is issued by the CPs from vendors until the school receives them and confirms the reception. The digital solution was piloted during May-July 2023 in a sample of 15 schools. 54 relevant staff from those schools and regional MEHE offices were trained on how to use the tool. Based on the trial and lessons learned from the pilot, WFP provided capacity building to 432 relevant school staff throughout 18 workshops at the beginning of 2024, to facilitate the application of this tool in a total of 164 schools.