Analyzing the Impact of School Meal Programs on Absenteeism Rates Among Disadvantaged Students in Egypt

This study explores the impact of school meal programs (SMPs) on absenteeism rates among disadvantaged primary school students in Egypt, drawing on secondary data sources, national reports, and global literature. Framed by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Human Capital Theory, the research employs a documentary analytical approach to examine the intersection of nutrition, school attendance, and educational equity. Findings reveal that Egypt’s National School Feeding Program (NSFP) has achieved extensive coverage, reaching over 11 million students annually. However, despite its scale, the program faces structural challenges, including fragmented management, reliance on processed food, and a lack of disaggregated monitoring data. Disadvantaged students—particularly in rural and low-income areas—remain disproportionately affected by chronic absenteeism and nutritional deficits. Comparative analysis with Jordan’s school feeding model underscores the importance of centralized oversight, improved meal quality, and impact evaluation. The study concludes that while Egypt’s SMPs hold great potential, more targeted, data-driven reforms are needed to enhance their effectiveness in reducing absenteeism and supporting educational inclusion.