Implementation of school-feeding programme and its effect on dietary adequacy among primary school children in Kisarawe district, Tanzania

Abstract

The school-age period is crucial nutritional-wise owing to its health and developmental impact. In Tanzania, 11% of school-aged children are thin, while 34% are anemic, representing a significant burden of undernutrition with a potential to have a lasting impact on educational and early onset of non-communicable diseases. This study was designed to evaluate its implementation and effects on dietary adequacy among primary-school children in Kisarawe District, Tanzania. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 students aged 10-14 years from 10 primary schools from 22/04/2025 to 25/04/2025. Dietary adequacy was assessed using two measures: Dietary diversity and Meal frequency. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the status of implementation of the school feeding program, while regression analysis was used to identify the effect of the intervention. All ten schools implemented some components of the school feeding program with a significant limitation. Only 65% students were covered in the intervention. Forty-nine percent of students met the minimum dietary diversity score. Participation in a school feeding program was associated with a 45% higher likelihood of attaining minimum meal diversity (APR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.00-2.12; p = 0.051), although this did not reach statistical significance threshold. Only 15.3% students reported consuming the minimum of three meals per day. School feeding programs were present in Kisarawe district but faced major infrastructural and logistical challenges, with none of the schools fully adhering to national guidelines. Strengthening infrastructure, ensuring reliable food supply, and expanding universal coverage are essential to maximize program impact.