UN 
- WFP school meals reach 3 million children in Bangladesh as of June 2024.
- Absenteeism in covered schools dropped by 15% since February 2024.
- Expansion aims to support SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by 2026.
The World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with Bangladesh’s Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, announced in June 2024 that its expanded school meals programme now serves 3 million primary school children across 48 districts. This expansion represents a threefold increase compared to the programme’s reach in 2022, which was limited to just under 1 million children.
WFP credits the scale-up with delivering immediate impacts: a 15% drop in student absenteeism has been recorded among participating schools since February 2024. According to data shared by the Bangladesh Bureau of Educational Information and Statistics (BANBEIS), average daily attendance climbed from 73% to 84% in schools participating in the meal programme, compared to static figures in non-participating schools.
The school meals initiative is part of Bangladesh’s national effort to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 4 (Quality Education) by 2026, with technical and logistical support from WFP and funding partnerships including UNICEF, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the Government of Japan. Notably, WFP has stated that while the programme’s expansion is “on track,” challenges remain around long-term local food procurement, funding stability, and measuring nutritional outcomes beyond attendance rates.
Independent observers from BRAC University point out that while recent attendance gains are measurable, longer-term impacts such as improved academic performance and health indicators have yet to show statistically significant change. They caution that further studies are required over the next two years to distinguish between the effects of school meals and broader educational reforms in Bangladesh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What has the World Food Programme achieved with school meals in Bangladesh?
Since February 2024, the World Food Programme, together with the Bangladesh government, has expanded its school meal initiative to reach 3 million children, resulting in a 15% drop in absenteeism. The programme is part of a broader strategy to achieve the 2026 targets for SDG 2 and SDG 4, aiming for improved school engagement and child nutrition.
Who funds and implements the expanded school meals programme?
The school meals programme is implemented by WFP in partnership with Bangladesh’s Ministry of Primary and Mass Education. Funding support comes from UNICEF, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the Government of Japan. Local NGOs and school administrators are also involved in day-to-day delivery.
What challenges or limitations does the initiative face?
Despite reductions in absenteeism, challenges include securing consistent funding, sourcing local food ingredients, and accurately measuring long-term nutritional and educational outcomes. Independent experts note that more data is needed to link school meals to academic or health improvements beyond attendance figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children does the World Food Programme’s school meals programme reach in Bangladesh as of June 2024?
As of June 2024, the World Food Programme’s school meals programme reaches 3 million primary school children across 48 districts in Bangladesh.
What impact has the school meals programme had on student absenteeism in Bangladesh?
Student absenteeism in participating schools dropped by 15% since February 2024, with average daily attendance rising from 73% to 84%.
Who funds the expanded school meals programme in Bangladesh?
The programme is funded by UNICEF, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the Government of Japan.
Have academic or health outcomes improved as a result of the school meals programme?
Independent observers report that while attendance improved, academic and health outcomes have not yet shown statistically significant change.
What are the main challenges facing the school meals programme in Bangladesh?
Challenges include long-term local food procurement, funding stability, and measuring nutritional outcomes beyond attendance rates.
