School Meals and School Attendance: Creating a foundation for academic success

Senior Food Assistance Advisor, Kevin Weseni sets out to show the link between the quality of school meals and better academic success.

School attendance is a key factor in determining the academic success of students. Recently, the quality of school meals has gained attention as a significant influence on attendance. Proponents argue that nutritious meals can positively affect attendance rates. Thanks to our work with the #ENOUGH campaign and as a key partner in the fight against child hunger, we aim to clarify the relationship between school meals and school attendance, demonstrating that providing healthy and balanced meals can indeed improve attendance and contribute to overall student success – in and beyond the classroom. It's true - school meals do play a significant role in improving school attendance by providing students with the necessary nutrients to fuel their bodies and minds, ultimately enhancing their ability to focus, engage, and succeed academically. Let’s break it down:  

• Nutritional value 

For many students, especially those from low-income households, school meals are the primary source of nutrition. By offering balanced and nutritious meals, schools ensure students receive the essential nutrients needed for physical and cognitive development. Recent studies have shown that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can improve cognitive function and academic performance, leading to increased attendance rates. Moreover, adequate nutrition is essential for optimal cognitive development in children, resulting in higher test scores and reduced absenteeism. 

• Cognitive development and function 

Nutrition is crucial for brain development and function. Diets high in processed foods and sugar can lead to fatigue, lack of focus, and decreased cognitive abilities, negatively impacting a student’s ability to attend school regularly. Healthy school meals can improve cognitive function, concentration, and overall mental well-being, leading to better attendance and academic performance. Research highlights the impact of specific nutrients during critical developmental periods, showing that deficiencies pose long-term risks. These risks include cognitive deficits, developmental delays, behavioural problems, mental health issues, and chronic health conditions such as obesity and diabetes. 

• Behavioural and social benefits 

Beyond physical and cognitive benefits, school meals offer behavioural and social advantages that contribute to improved attendance. Eating together promotes social interaction, fosters a sense of community, and creates a positive school environment, motivating students to attend regularly. Providing healthy meals and a supportive social environment helps build a foundation for academic success and long-term educational attainment. 

• Addressing food insecurity 

Food insecurity affects many students, leading to hunger and malnutrition that hinder regular school attendance. School meals are vital in addressing food insecurity and ensuring all students have access to nutritious meals. Further, the value of school meals can be equivalent to about 10 percent of their income for vulnerable families with several children. This can allow for significant opportunities to save money and find a foothold amidst widespread hunger and poverty. So, by offering free or reduced-price meals, schools can alleviate hunger, improve attendance rates, and create a more equitable learning environment. World Vision’s models, like School Feeding, WASH in Schools, Education Cannot Wait (ECW), and Cash in Education, have proven that they can provide relief to struggling communities, but more global support and engagement are needed for a greater impact. 
 What do we do from here? 

To support school meal initiatives, we should: 

• Collaborate with school administrators, teachers, and staff to raise awareness about the benefits of school meals. 
• Utilise social media platforms to promote school meal programmes, share menu options, special promotions, and success stories using hashtags like #ENOUGH and #schoolmeals. 
• Host events such as cooking demonstrations, taste tests, or nutrition education workshops to showcase the school meals programme. 
• Partner with local businesses, community organisations, or government agencies to support and promote school meal programmes. 
• Develop guidelines for implementing school meals effectively. 

 
By implementing these strategies, we can create a supportive environment where every student can thrive. Let's prioritise school meals as a key component of academic success and community well-being. What are we waiting for? Join us in advocating for these essential programmes and help us build a future where every child can thrive. 

Kevin Weseni is a Senior Food Assistance Advisor for World Vision’s Global Hunger Response. He has over two decades of experience in various areas, including food assistance, grants management, and school feeding programmes.