Deadline: 25-Jun-2026
The World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a Call for Expression of Interest to support the implementation and expansion of the School Feeding Programme and Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) model in Sierra Leone. The initiative aims to improve child nutrition, education outcomes, local agriculture, livelihoods and community resilience through sustainable school meal systems.
The programme connects schools with local smallholder farmers by promoting locally produced food while strengthening national school feeding systems.
Overview of the WFP Sierra Leone School Feeding Initiative
The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking partners to support the delivery and expansion of school feeding activities in Sierra Leone.
The programme focuses on improving:
- Child nutrition
- Access to education
- Learning outcomes
- Smallholder farmer livelihoods
- Community resilience
The initiative strengthens the connection between education systems and local agricultural production.
Background of School Feeding in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone has experienced challenges linked to:
School feeding has been an important social protection programme in Sierra Leone since 1991.
It supports children by providing:
- Daily nutritious meals
- Incentives for school attendance
- Support for families facing food insecurity
What Is Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF)?
Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) is an approach that links school meal programmes with local agriculture.
The model uses:
- Food produced by local farmers
- Locally processed agricultural products
- Community-based supply chains
It helps schools while creating market opportunities for smallholder producers.
Objectives of the Programme
The initiative aims to:
- Improve access to nutritious school meals
- Increase school attendance and learning outcomes
- Strengthen local food systems
- Support smallholder farmers
- Build sustainable community-based solutions
Key Focus Areas
Education: Learning Outcomes and School Meals
The programme supports education through:
- Regular school meals
- Increased school participation
- Improved learning conditions
- Better classroom engagement
School feeding helps reduce barriers that prevent children from attending school.
Livelihoods and Smallholder Farmer Support
The HGSF model supports local economies by:
- Creating markets for farmers
- Strengthening agricultural value chains
- Supporting community participation
Activities include:
- Farmer engagement
- Market development
- Local procurement systems
Community Mobilization and Participation
The programme encourages communities to participate in school feeding activities.
This includes:
- Community involvement
- Local ownership
- Cooperation with schools and producers
Nutrition Support
The initiative contributes to improved child nutrition through:
- Nutritious meals
- Food access
- Nutrition awareness
It supports efforts to reduce child hunger and improve wellbeing.
WASH and Environment
The programme includes support related to:
- Basic sanitation
- Hygiene practices
- Safe school environments
These activities help create healthier learning spaces.
Programme Implementation Areas
The programme is led by:
- Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education
- National School Feeding Secretariat
WFP supports implementation across:
Five districts in Sierra Leone
Current Programme Coverage
The existing programme reaches:
- 1,204 pre-primary and primary schools
- Approximately 260,000 children
Children receive:
- Daily hot meals
- Nutrition support during school activities
The programme plans further expansion during the:
2026/2027 academic year
Expansion depends on available resources.
Role of Implementing Partners
Selected partners are expected to support:
- School feeding delivery
- Community engagement
- Farmer linkages
- Nutrition activities
- Institutional strengthening
Partners should help improve:
- Education outcomes
- Food security
- Agricultural systems
- Social protection
Who Is Eligible?
The opportunity is intended for organisations with experience in:
- School feeding programmes
- Nutrition interventions
- Education support
- Agriculture development
- Community mobilisation
Potential partners should have capacity in:
- Programme implementation
- Local coordination
- Monitoring and reporting
- Community engagement
Expected Partner Contributions
Implementing organisations should support:
Education Improvement
Partners will contribute to:
- Better school participation
- Improved learning environments
- Stronger education systems
Nutrition Improvement
Activities should support:
- Access to nutritious meals
- Child wellbeing
- Nutrition awareness
Agricultural Development
Partners will help strengthen:
- Smallholder farmer participation
- Local procurement
- Food supply chains
Gender and Inclusion
Partners are expected to promote:
- Gender equality
- Inclusive participation
- Equal access to programme benefits
How the Programme Works
Step 1: Partner Selection
Organisations express interest and demonstrate relevant experience.
Step 2: Programme Planning
Partners coordinate with WFP and government institutions to align activities.
Step 3: Implementation
Activities may include:
- School meal delivery
- Farmer engagement
- Community mobilisation
- Nutrition support
Step 4: Monitoring and Improvement
Partners track:
- Programme results
- School participation
- Nutrition outcomes
- Community impact
Why This Initiative Matters
School feeding provides benefits beyond nutrition.
It helps:
- Keep children in school
- Improve concentration and learning
- Support vulnerable families
- Strengthen local economies
The HGSF approach creates a link between education, agriculture and community development.
Expected Impact
The programme aims to achieve:
- Increased access to education
- Improved child nutrition
- Stronger local food systems
- Better livelihoods for farmers
- More resilient communities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Weak Community Engagement
Successful programmes require:
- Local participation
- Community ownership
- Strong coordination
Ignoring Local Supply Chains
Partners should focus on:
- Local producers
- Sustainable procurement
- Farmer inclusion
Poor Monitoring Systems
Partners should track:
- Food delivery
- School attendance
- Nutrition outcomes
Limited Inclusion Planning
Activities should consider:
- Girls’ participation
- Vulnerable children
- Marginalised communities
Tips for a Strong Expression of Interest
A strong application should demonstrate:
- Experience in school feeding or nutrition
- Knowledge of local communities
- Ability to work with government partners
- Strong operational capacity
- Commitment to sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the WFP Sierra Leone School Feeding Programme?
It is an initiative supporting school meals, nutrition and education outcomes across Sierra Leone.
2. What is Home-Grown School Feeding?
It is a model that uses locally produced food to provide school meals while supporting smallholder farmers.
3. Who leads the programme?
The programme is led by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and the National School Feeding Secretariat, with WFP support.
4. How many children currently benefit from the programme?
The programme currently supports approximately 260,000 children.
5. Which areas does the programme cover?
WFP supports implementation across five districts in Sierra Leone.
6. What sectors are included in the programme?
The programme covers education, nutrition, agriculture, livelihoods, WASH and community resilience.
7. What type of organisations can participate?
Organisations with relevant experience in education, nutrition, agriculture and community programmes can express interest.
Conclusion
The WFP Sierra Leone School Feeding Programme strengthens child nutrition, education access and local agricultural systems through sustainable school meal solutions.
By expanding the Home-Grown School Feeding model, the initiative supports stronger communities, improved livelihoods and long-term food security across Sierra Leone.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.