Alternative methods in school feeding will be assessed: State Minister Bobby Hajjaj

The State Minister said that alongside the existing method of the school feeding program, the government is also working on alternative models such as coupon-based food supply and serving cooked meals. However, before launching any new method, it is essential to assess its feasibility, conduct a pilot implementation, and evaluate its effectiveness. Such an initiative may take six months to one year to be fully prepared. Therefore, it would not be realistic to stop the existing program while alternative methods are being assessed. Rather, future plans should be advanced while maintaining necessary improvements and continuity of the ongoing method.

He further said that the terms of some of the procurement packages of the ongoing program have already expired. Of the total 26 packages, eight have expired. In these cases, efforts are being made to assess the possibility of extending the existing tender period and, subsequently, to initiate a fresh call for tenders. At the same time, emphasis is being placed on further strengthening food safety, quality, nutritional value, transportation and storage, and monitoring and accountability in the existing food supply system.

The WFP delegation proposed a rapid review of the ongoing school feeding program. The review will give special importance to three issues: food and nutrition value, food safety and quality, and capacity to implement the program at the field level—these three issues will be given special importance. The WFP representatives assured technical support and expert opinions as required. They said they aim to complete the review as soon as possible and present recommendations.

At the meeting, the State Minister said that to make the school feeding program more effective and sustainable, it is necessary to review international experience and successful models from different countries. In particular, for serving cooked meals, the potential of central kitchens, community-based management, and local partnerships could be assessed. However, each model must be consistent with Bangladesh's realities, local capacity, food safety, and accountability.

The WFP delegation said that different countries follow different methods in implementing school feeding programs. They are interested in assisting with analysis of regional and international successful initiatives, challenges, and best practices, including the experiences of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and India, in the context of Bangladesh. In particular, by involving local farmers in running school feeding programs, there is an opportunity to support local agriculture and the economy as well as ensure students' nutrition.

WFP Head of Programme Jessie Wood, Senior Partnerships Adviser (Government Engagement) Md. Mohsin, Programme Policy Officer (School Feeding) Sneha Lata, and relevant officials from the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education were present at the meeting.