Free or subsidised school meals lead to modest gains in math and school enrolment in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
This is according to a new Cochrane review that examined the global impact of school feeding programmes on disadvantaged children in both high-income countries and LMICs.
The research team, led by scientists from University of Ottawa in Canada, also found that such programmes likely contribute to small gains in physical growth indicators such as height-for-age and weight-for-age scores.
However, they found that these programmes may have little to no effect on reading test scores and school attendance.
School feeding programmes aim to reduce hunger, and improve children’s learning, focus and overall health.
Worldwide, many children do not get enough nutritious food to keep them healthy and ready to learn in school, and disadvantaged children are particularly vulnerable.
LMICs account for almost 90% of global undernutrition.
The review analysed 40 studies with 91,000 students across primary and secondary schools.
Most studies were conducted in LMICs, including some in conflict-affected regions, expanding on earlier evidence that was limited in geographical scope.
“School meals are a critical source of nourishment for children experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage,” said study co-author and University of Michigan registered dietitian Assistant Professor Dr Jennifer Garner.
“Given the variation in contexts and programme designs studied, seeing measurable improvements in growth, enrolment and math achievement is encouraging.”
Study lead author and University of Ottawa health measurement expert Professor Emeritus Dr Elizabeth Kristjansson said: “School meal programmes play an important role in improving health and educational outcomes for disadvantaged children.
“What we’re seeing are modest, but real results.
“The way I see it, we have a moral imperative to feed hungry children.”
