From nutrition to education: the contributions of school feeding programs on the UN 2030 Agenda and AU 2063 goals

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the essential function of School Feeding Programs (SFPs) in improving the health, nutrition and educational achievements of children living in food-insecure areas within low- and middle-income nations, in line with the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063. Design/methodology/approach A thorough examination of existing research and data on SFPs is conducted, concentrating on their influence in meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Quality Education (SDG 4) and Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3). The economic effects of SFPs on local communities are also analyzed. Findings The findings reveal that SFPs notably enhance children’s nutritional health and foster greater participation and academic success, with a particular benefit for girls and underrepresented groups. Additionally, SFPs promote local economic growth by purchasing food from nearby farmers, which in turn fortifies community resilience. Practical implications The results underscore the necessity for policies that improve the operational effectiveness of SFPs and highlight the significance of linking these initiatives with local agricultural networks to ensure sustainability and efficiency. Originality/value This manuscript provides a fresh perspective on the role of SFPs by addressing the gap in literature regarding the integration of global and continental development frameworks. It highlights how SFPs not only align with the SDGs and the AU’s Agenda 2063 but also offer unique insights into their synergistic potential for enhancing child welfare. This paper also uniquely emphasizes the innovative approaches that can be adopted to maximize the impact of SFPs.