RFAs: Nutrition and School Feeding Activities in UNS- Renk County (South Sudan)

The World Food Programme’s Nutrition and School Feeding Activities Program supports vulnerable groups in South Sudan by preventing malnutrition, improving health systems, and delivering school meals to crisis-affected children. The programme focuses on children under five, pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and school-age learners to strengthen long-term resilience and human capital. Its integrated approach combines nutrition services, behaviour change, system strengthening, and emergency food support.

Overview of the Programme

The World Food Programme (WFP) launched the Nutrition and School Feeding Activities Program to address malnutrition, support vulnerable populations, and build long-term resilience in the Upper Nile region of South Sudan. The initiative combines direct nutrition interventions with school feeding, system strengthening, and behaviour-change efforts.

Key Objectives

• Prevent and treat malnutrition

• Improve maternal, child, and adolescent nutrition

• Provide school meals for crisis-affected children

• Strengthen local health and nutrition systems

• Build resilience and improve long-term human capital

Core Components

1. Nutrition Support and Malnutrition Prevention

The programme delivers targeted health and nutrition services to reduce morbidity and mortality among young children and pregnant or lactating women.
Key actions include:

• Screening and treatment of acute malnutrition

• Supplementary feeding for children aged 6–59 months

• Nutrition support for pregnant and breastfeeding women

• Micronutrient supplementation and therapeutic feeding

2. Behaviour Change and Community Education

Behaviour change communication (SBCC) is central to improving long-term nutrition outcomes.
Focus areas:

• Improved dietary practices

• Childcare and infant feeding knowledge

• Health and hygiene awareness

• Community-led learning and counselling

3. Strengthening Local Systems

WFP works with community structures, health workers, and government institutions to strengthen:

• Nutrition delivery systems

• Supply chains and treatment centres

• Monitoring and reporting mechanisms
  This approach ensures long-term sustainability beyond direct WFP support.

4. School Feeding for Crisis-Affected Children

The school feeding component addresses both immediate food needs and long-term education outcomes.
Key benefits:

• Daily school meals for host communities, IDPs, returnees, and refugees

• Better student attendance and retention

• Improved nutrition and cognitive development

• Safety nets for children in emergencies

Who Is Eligible?

The programme supports:

• Children aged 6–59 months

• Pregnant and lactating women

• Adolescent girls

• School-aged children, especially in crisis-affected areas

• Host communities, internally displaced persons, returnees, and refugees in the Upper Nile region

Why It Matters

• South Sudan faces high malnutrition rates due to conflict, displacement, food insecurity, and climate shocks.

• Improving maternal and child nutrition strengthens future generations’ health and productivity.

• School feeding protects children during emergencies and supports their education.

• Strengthening community systems ensures long-term resilience and reduces reliance on emergency aid.

How the Programme Works

1. Assessment and Targeting
   WFP identifies vulnerable groups through nutrition surveys, food security analysis, and community-level data.

2. Service Delivery
   Nutrition treatment, preventive feeding, and SBCC sessions take place at health facilities, outreach sites, and community centres.

3. School Feeding Rollout
   Schools receive food supplies for daily meals, managed through local committees and teachers.

4. System Strengthening Activities
   Training for health workers, support to supply chains, and partnerships with national institutions.

5. Monitoring and Adaptation
   Data tracking ensures programmes are adjusted based on community needs, climate risks, and emergency conditions.

Tips for Effective Implementation (Common Mistakes to Avoid)

• Avoid excluding caregivers: Engaging mothers, fathers, and caregivers ensures sustained behaviour change.

• Don’t rely solely on food distribution: Combine food support with nutrition education for long-term impact.

• Ensure accurate screenings: Incomplete or rushed nutrition assessments can miss high-risk children.

• Strengthen local ownership: Collaboration with community leaders increases sustainability.

• Plan for climate shocks: Build flexible mechanisms for periods of flooding, displacement, or conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What populations does the programme primarily target?
Children under five, pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and school-age children.
2. How does WFP prevent and treat malnutrition?
Through screening, supplementary feeding, therapeutic nutrition services, micronutrient support, and community education.
3. What is the role of school feeding?
School meals support education, provide daily nutrition, improve attendance, and help crisis-affected families.
4. Why is behaviour change communication important?
It teaches communities better practices in diet, hygiene, and childcare, reducing long-term malnutrition risks.
5. How does WFP strengthen local health systems?
By training staff, supporting supply chains, introducing monitoring tools, and partnering with national institutions.
6. Does the programme address climate-affected populations?
Yes. It enhances resilience for food-insecure households facing climate shocks and environmental risks.
7. What are the programme’s long-term goals?
By 2025: improved livelihoods and resilience.
By 2030: stronger national capacity in food security, nutrition, and social protection systems.

Conclusion

WFP’s Nutrition and School Feeding Activities Program is a comprehensive response to malnutrition, food insecurity, and educational challenges in South Sudan. By combining direct nutrition services, school meals, behaviour change communication, and system strengthening, the programme supports vulnerable populations while building long-term community resilience.