School Feeding Programs in Developing Countries: An Analysis of Actual and Potential Impact

摘要

Studies of the effects of school feeding programs (SFP's) on student attendance and enrollment, nutritional status, and cognitive development are assessed. Regarding SFP impact on attendance and enrollment: (1) 3 retrospective analyses and 6 comparative studies proved inconclusive, although the latter suggest that SFP's may be most effective in poorer areas where attendance is low, and that program regularity is a key factor; (2) of 8 studies covering 11 countries and based mainly on teachers' impressions, 7 noted a positive impact of SFP's on attendance and enrollment, although methodological imprecisions make these findings suspect. Studies from Guatemala and Nepal on the general impact of nutritional status on school attendance were reviewed. Both suggested that SFP's designed to improve nutritional status will indirectly improve attendance and performance as well. The Nepal study also found that the influence of nutritional status on enrollment may differ between boys and girls.