Concerns Raised Over Hygiene and Food Standards in School Feeding Programe
Zambia’s school feeding programme continues to provide much-needed support to thousands of learners across the country, particularly children from vulnerable and low-income households. For many pupils, the meals served at school are often the most reliable source of food they receive in a day. However, despite the programme being widely appreciated, concerns are beginning to emerge over hygiene standards, food quality, and the general coordination of meal distribution in some schools.
According to pupils from several primary and secondary schools, questions have been raised about the way food is prepared and served. Some learners have complained that food servers in certain schools reportedly do not wear protective clothing such as gloves, aprons, or hair nets while handling meals, raising concerns about hygiene and food safety.
Another issue frequently mentioned by pupils is the limited variety on school menus. Learners say meals are often restricted to yellow maize nshima served with beans or soya chunks on most days, with little change in menu options. While many pupils acknowledge that the meals are helpful, some say the repetitive menu can become discouraging over time.
At Libala Stage Three Secondary School, pupils have reportedly expressed frustration over the coordination of meal distribution. According to learners, some pupils are forced to carry bowls from home or temporarily leave their school bags at the canteen in order to secure plates for meals. Pupils say the process can become disorganised, especially during busy lunch periods.
Similar concerns have also reportedly been observed at Mukandawile School, where some learners say serving conditions could be improved to better accommodate the growing number of pupils depending on the feeding programme.
However, not all schools are facing the same challenges. Some parents and pupils have pointed to schools such as St Patrick’s School as examples where food serving conditions are reportedly more organised and hygienic, suggesting that implementation standards may differ from one institution to another.
Parents have also started voicing concern over the overall condition of some feeding centres, arguing that while the programme itself is important and beneficial, greater attention should be given to hygiene, meal quality, and proper serving procedures. Some believe that improving food standards could help ensure the programme remains both safe and effective for learners.
Education and nutrition experts have long argued that school feeding programmes play a critical role in improving attendance, concentration, and academic performance, particularly among children from disadvantaged backgrounds. In many communities, such programmes also help reduce absenteeism and ease pressure on struggling households.
Despite the concerns being raised, many parents and pupils still view the feeding initiative as a positive development, especially at a time when economic pressures continue to affect many families. However, calls are now growing for better monitoring, improved sanitation standards, and more balanced meal options to ensure that the programme fully meets the needs of learners across the country.
As Zambia continues investing in education and child welfare, many believe the school feeding programme has the potential to make an even greater impact if issues surrounding hygiene, coordination, and meal standards are properly addressed.