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Published on: July 29, 2020
School feeding: outcomes and costs.
Rae Galloway1, Elizabeth Kristjansson, Aulo Gelli
1Program for Appropriate Technology in Health, Washington, DC 20006, USA. rgalloway@path.org
Food and Nutrition Bulletin
|August 20, 2009
Summary
This study provides precise cost estimates for school feeding programs in developing nations. While costs per outcome vary, the analysis refines understanding of program economics.
Area of Science:
- Development Economics
- Public Health Interventions
- Educational Policy
Background:
- School feeding programs are prevalent development aid in low-income countries.
- Empirical analysis of their effectiveness and costs has been limited.
- This study addresses the need for sound, data-driven evaluations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish realistic cost estimates for school feeding programs.
- To determine the cost per specific outcome achieved.
- To inform policy and resource allocation for these interventions.
Main Methods:
- Cost data collected from three African countries via program reviews and stakeholder interviews.
- Standardized cost metrics (200-day year, 700-kcal ration) for cross-country comparison.
- Outcome data synthesized from existing school feeding studies.
Main Results:
- Annual cost per child ranged from $28 to $63 (mean $40).
- Cost per additional school day was under $10.
- Cost per kilogram of weight gain varied significantly ($38-$252).
Conclusions:
- This analysis offers a more precise cost range than prior estimates.
- While costs per outcome can be high, they do not encompass all potential benefits.
- Further research should consider broader impacts like educational attainment and social protection.
