Every school day, six-year-old Jannath eagerly gets ready to go to kindergarten. Like most children her age, she loves playing with her friends and dreams of big things. “I want to be a nurse when I grow up,” she says proudly. 

But what keeps Jannath in school isn’t just her love for learning—it’s also the warm, nutritious meal she receives during the day. 

Jannath lives in a small village in Bangladesh with her mother, Salma, a housewife; her older sister Tanjila and her father Abu, who recently left for Saudi Arabia to support the family financially. 

Salma recalls how difficult it was during her own childhood to attend school. “The school was far away, and we often stayed home if we were hungry. Now, my children’s school is close by—and they get a meal there. That changes everything.” 

For families like Jannath’s, the mid-day meals at school are more than a convenience—they’re  a necessity.  

“Sometimes we can’t afford to eat,” Salma says. “But at school, Jannath knows she will get food. It helps us as parents and helps her stay focused.”

The mid-day meal – typically a balanced mix of rice, lentils, vegetables, and fruit – supports the overall well-being of the 67 students at the school. Most come from low-income families. The community has welcomed the program with open arms, recognising its impact not only on children’s health, but also on their attendance and academic performance.

“We want Jannath to have a better life,” Salma adds. “We don’t want her to work in the fields or marry young. With school and good meals, she has a real chance.”

School feeding programs like this one provide children with access to nutritious, affordable, and sustainable diets. They also encourage better care practices and promote positive attitudes toward education. 

By providing school meals, you are investing in healthier children who are learning how to take care of their own well-being. 

Thank you!