School Nutrition Programme, Bangladesh: WFP-BRAC Initiative

High rates of malnutrition in children, adolescents and women are a major concern in Bangladesh. World Food Programme (WFP) and BRAC initiated a school feeding programme in 2012 targeting children from poor households. This case study was conducted in Islampur upazila in Jamalpur district where micronutrient deficiencies are widespread. The objectives of the study were to understand the value chain of the school feeding programme, the role of the different actors, and its potential for impact. A qualitative approach was undertaken using focus group discussions. It was observed that there is a relatively unstructured value chain in the school nutrition programme from food supplier to consumer, with BRAC playing an important role as implementer. The initiative has scope to improve the nutritional status of children, as well as provide a much-needed source of income for ultra-poor women in the community.