The Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile FC Motshegwa, this morning signed the Declaration of Commitment to the School Meals Coalition, reaffirming the government’s dedication to strengthening school feeding programmes.
The signing follows the 11th African Day of School Feeding side event held at Royal Aria on Saturday, where stakeholders reflected on progress made in advancing nutrition and education across the continent.
Launched in 2021, the School Meals Coalition is a government-led global initiative working to ensure that every child has access to a healthy and nutritious meal at school by 2030. The coalition brings together over 100 countries and more than 150 partners to expand, improve, and sustainably fund school feeding programmes worldwide.
The initiative is supported by key United Nations agencies including the World Food Programme, UNICEF, Food and Agriculture Organization, and the World Health Organization, alongside other development partners. It aims to address hunger, improve educational outcomes, and enhance child health through coordinated and sustainable interventions.
A central pillar of the coalition is the promotion of “home-grown” school feeding models, which link local farmers to school procurement systems. This approach strengthens local economies, improves the quality and diversity of meals, supports climate-sensitive agricultural practices, and contributes to girls’ education and overall child development.
By signing the declaration, Minister Motshegwa underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that no child learns on an empty stomach and to advancing solutions that promote nutrition, education, and sustainable development.
