Nutritionists Promote Healthy School Feeding Programs

Nutritionists and public health advocates in Kenya are increasingly pushing for healthier and more sustainable school feeding programmes, arguing they are crucial for improving both nutrition and learning outcomes. According to the Global Child Nutrition Foundation, the Kenyan School Meals Programme involves trained nutritionists who help design menus that meet nutritional goals and limit unhealthy ingredients like excess salt. As part of the national strategy, nutritionists have helped guide the transition to a Home-Grown School Meals Program, where food is sourced locally from smallholder farmers. This model not only ensures that meals are culturally appropriate and nutrient-rich, but also supports local agriculture. Health and nutrition experts have also provided input into Kenya’s National School Meals Coalition, launched by the Ministry of Education together with development partners like the WFP and the Rockefeller Foundation. This coalition includes a technical workstream on health and nutrition to promote clean-cooking, climate-smart food options, and better dietary diversity in school meals.Moreover, nutritionists are playing a key role in addressing diet-related health risks. For example, the School Meals Programme now includes fortified foods (like iron- and zinc-enriched blends) to help prevent micronutrient deficiencies. Their involvement helps ensure that food served in schools supports long-term health — not just hunger relief.