Deadline: 22-Jun-2026
The Strengthening the School Feeding Program in Huehuetenango initiative by the World Food Programme aims to improve school nutrition, rebuild kitchen infrastructure, and strengthen local food systems in Guatemala. The programme supports 40 primary schools by renovating kitchens, establishing school gardens, and integrating family farmers into school meal supply chains. It enhances nutrition, education, and local agricultural livelihoods through training, infrastructure support, and community engagement.
Overview
- The initiative supports strengthening Guatemala’s national School Feeding Program (PAE)
- It is implemented by the World Food Programme in Huehuetenango region
- It focuses on improving school meals, nutrition, and local food systems
- It strengthens participation of family farmers in school feeding supply chains
- It targets 40 primary schools across selected municipalities
Background of the School Feeding Program (PAE)
- The School Feeding Program (PAE) was established under Guatemala’s School Feeding Law in 2017
- It is one of the largest social protection programs in Guatemala
- It supports children and adolescents enrolled in the national education system
- It improves food security, nutrition, and school attendance
- It also strengthens local agricultural economies by sourcing food locally
Post-COVID-19 context
- Many schools shifted from cooked meals to food rations delivered to homes
- Several schools have not returned to on-site meal service
- Key barriers include:
- Deteriorated kitchen infrastructure
- Lack of equipment and resources
Programme Objective
The initiative aims to:
- Restore and strengthen school meal service systems
- Improve child nutrition and dietary quality
- Rebuild school kitchen infrastructure
- Strengthen local food systems and supply chains
- Increase participation of smallholder and family farmers
- Enhance community capacity in nutrition and food management
Geographic Scope
- Country: Guatemala
- Target region: Huehuetenango
- Municipalities included:
- Aguacatán
- Santa Bárbara
- Chiantla
- Huehuetenango
- Target institutions: 40 primary schools
Key Focus Areas
School Meals and Nutrition
- Improvement of school feeding services
- Transition back to on-site meal preparation
- Enhancement of nutritional quality of school meals
- Promotion of healthy eating habits among children
Infrastructure Development
- Renovation of 40 school kitchens
- Provision of kitchen utensils and equipment
- Upgrading food preparation facilities
- Ensuring safe and functional cooking environments
School Gardens and Food Education
- Establishment of 40 school gardens
- Integration of agricultural learning into schools
- Practical nutrition and food education activities
- Student engagement in sustainable food production
Capacity Building for Communities
- Training for 600 parents and guardians
- Basic cooking diploma programmes
- Nutrition education and meal preparation training
- Administrative and organizational strengthening for Parent-Teacher Associations
Strengthening Family Farmers and Local Markets
- Training and technical support for family farmers
- Support for administrative, financial, and business skills
- Assistance in meeting certification requirements
- Integration into school feeding supply chains
Support provided includes
- Agricultural inputs and equipment (non-reimbursable)
- Market linkage facilitation
- Training on quality standards and supply systems
- Participation in school feeding procurement systems
Social and Behaviour Change (SBC)
- Nutrition awareness campaigns for families and students
- Promotion of healthy eating behaviors
- Community education on food and nutrition
- Engagement activities in schools and households
Expected Results and Outputs
School infrastructure and food systems
- Renovation of 40 school kitchens
- Provision of kitchen utensils to 40 schools
- Establishment of 40 school gardens
Community training and capacity building
- Training of 600 parents in basic cooking and nutrition
- Strengthening of 40 family farming organizations
- Capacity building in administration and food preparation
Farmer integration and livelihoods
- Certification and linkage of 12 family farming groups or individuals
- Increased participation of farmers in school feeding supply chains
- Development of local procurement systems
Knowledge sharing and community engagement
- Municipal school feeding fairs
- Experience-sharing workshops and exchanges
- Diagnostic assessments and consolidated program reports
- Artistic murals in participating school communities
Partnerships and Collaboration
- Government ministries involved in national School Feeding Program
- Complementary alignment with the “Nutritional Routes” project
- Support from private partners including Starbucks
- Coordination with local schools, communities, and farmer organizations
How the Initiative Works
Step 1: Community and school assessment
- Identify infrastructure and nutrition gaps
- Evaluate farmer participation potential
Step 2: Implementation planning
- Define school-level interventions
- Plan kitchen renovations and garden establishment
- Organize training programmes
Step 3: Capacity building and infrastructure development
- Train parents, teachers, and farmers
- Renovate kitchens and install equipment
- Establish school gardens
Step 4: Farmer integration into supply systems
- Provide training and certification support
- Link farmers to procurement systems
- Facilitate participation in school feeding markets
Step 5: Monitoring and community engagement
- Track nutrition and infrastructure outcomes
- Conduct fairs and learning exchanges
- Document impact and lessons learned
Common Challenges Addressed
- Poor school kitchen infrastructure
- Limited nutrition knowledge among communities
- Weak linkages between farmers and school markets
- Reduced on-site meal service after COVID-19
- Lack of equipment for safe meal preparation
Why This Programme Matters
- Improves child nutrition and educational outcomes
- Strengthens local agricultural economies
- Creates stable markets for family farmers
- Rebuilds essential school infrastructure
- Promotes community participation in education systems
- Enhances resilience of food systems in rural Guatemala
- Links nutrition, education, and local development
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main goal of this initiative?
- To strengthen school feeding systems, improve nutrition, and integrate family farmers into food supply chains in Huehuetenango.
Who implements the programme?
- The World Food Programme (WFP) in collaboration with government and local partners.
How many schools are targeted?
- 40 primary schools across four municipalities in Huehuetenango.
What infrastructure will be improved?
- School kitchens will be renovated and equipped, and school gardens will be established.
How are farmers involved?
- Family farmers receive training, inputs, and support to become certified school food suppliers.
What community training is included?
- Cooking training for parents, nutrition education, and administrative capacity building.
What are the expected outcomes?
- Improved kitchens, trained communities, stronger farmer participation, and better school nutrition systems.
Conclusion
The WFP School Feeding Program Strengthening Initiative in Huehuetenango is a comprehensive intervention that links education, nutrition, and local agriculture. Implemented by the World Food Programme, it rebuilds school feeding infrastructure, empowers communities, and integrates family farmers into local food systems to create long-term improvements in child nutrition, education quality, and rural livelihoods.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.