Deadline: 03-Apr-2026
The World Food Programme (WFP) invites proposals to strengthen locally produced school canteens in selected communes of Burkina Faso through its Home Grown School Feeding initiative. The program emphasizes local procurement, nutrition, school gardens, water infrastructure, and sustainable food systems, linking schools with local producers while enhancing student wellbeing and community resilience.
About the Initiative
The Home Grown School Feeding (HGSF) initiative in Burkina Faso focuses on integrating nutrition, education, and local economic development. Key objectives include:
- Improving school meals and nutrition for students
- Strengthening local production systems and community livelihoods
- Supporting sustainable, decentralized food procurement
- Enhancing school infrastructure, including gardens and water systems
Since 2004, WFP has collaborated with the Government of Burkina Faso to reform national school feeding programs. This includes:
- Development-oriented programs for long-term sustainability
- Emergency school feeding interventions to address immediate food insecurity
School feeding serves as a critical safety net for vulnerable children while contributing to broader community resilience.
Key Components
1. Locally Sourced School Meals
- Endogenous model emphasizing local agricultural production
- Ensures nutritious, culturally appropriate meals for students
- Supports economic recovery and livelihoods in local communities
2. Decentralized Food Procurement
- Schools access diverse, safe, and affordable food
- Respects students’ dietary habits and preferences
- Promotes cost-effective and sustainable school feeding systems
3. School Gardens and Agricultural Fields
- Schools cultivate own produce to supplement meals
- Provides practical learning opportunities for students
- Strengthens food system resilience and sustainability
4. Water Infrastructure
- Supports food preparation, hygiene, and sanitation
- Enables school gardens and agricultural activities
- Contributes to long-term sustainability of feeding programs
Operational Approach
- Proposal Submission: WFP calls for proposals from organizations to strengthen local canteens
- Integration with Local Production: Link schools to local farmers and producers
- Infrastructure Support: Develop school gardens and water systems
- Nutrition and Cultural Alignment: Ensure meals meet students’ nutritional needs, habits, and preferences
- Monitoring and Sustainability: Evaluate outcomes to strengthen long-term school feeding systems
Benefits of Participation
- Provides regular, nutritious meals to students
- Promotes locally sourced food and economic recovery
- Enhances educational outcomes and student wellbeing
- Strengthens community livelihoods and local food systems
- Supports sustainable and culturally appropriate school feeding models
FAQs
1. Who benefits from this initiative?
School children in selected communes of Burkina Faso, and local farmers and producers supplying school canteens.
2. What types of food are included?
Meals are locally sourced, safe, nutritious, and culturally aligned with students’ dietary habits.
3. How does the initiative support local communities?
By promoting endogenous procurement, linking schools with local agricultural producers to strengthen livelihoods.
4. What infrastructure is supported?
School gardens, agricultural fields, and water facilities for hygiene and food preparation.
5. How does the initiative ensure sustainability?
Through decentralized procurement, school-led agriculture, and integration with local production systems.
6. Does the program address emergency needs?
Yes, it complements development-oriented feeding programs with emergency interventions where food insecurity is acute.
7. What is the ultimate goal?
To improve student nutrition, strengthen local economies, and create resilient, self-sustaining school feeding systems.
Conclusion
The WFP Home Grown School Feeding initiative in Burkina Faso promotes nutrition, education, and community resilience by strengthening locally sourced school canteens. Through decentralized procurement, school gardens, water infrastructure, and alignment with student needs, the program links schools with local producers, supports sustainable food systems, and enhances long-term educational and community outcomes.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.