How many children are benefiting from the WFP school feeding programs within the country?
The Ghana school feeding program reached 476,083 pupils in 975 schools across the country in the 2007/2008 academic year. Out of this number, WFP school meals were provided to 41,324 children in 80 schools, while take-home rations, aimed at increasing girls’ education, were given to 34,754 primary school girls. Onsite school feeding is being expanded to reach 100,000 pupils in the 2008/2009 academic year. Discuss what effect the meals have on the children in terms of school attendance, performance, and nutrition. School meals are generally credited with increasing enrolment, attendance, and retention rates. This is reflected in the Ghana School Feeding Programs record in the 2006/2007 academic year, when national enrolment increased by 21 percent. Enrolment rates in WFP-assisted schools in the Bolgatanga and Bongo Districts increased by 14 and 10 percent respectively. Pupils benefiting from WFP assistance have the added advantage of being fed with micro-nutrient-rich foods such as fort
