Government to Increase School Feeding Grant from GHC 1.50 to GHC 2.00 - Gender Minister reveals

The Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection has announced an increment in the Ghana School Feeding Programme’s grant from GHC 1.50 to GHC 2.00 per child. This 33% rise is aimed at improving the quality and quantity of meals served to beneficiaries under the initiative. However, given the persistent rise in food prices, many stakeholders question whether this adjustment will be enough to make a meaningful impact.

The School Feeding Programme has faced several challenges, including delayed payments to caterers, which have often led to protests and threats to halt meal preparation. Many caterers argue that even with the increased funding, the cost of ingredients and operational expenses continue to rise, making it difficult to provide nutritious meals. The government, however, remains optimistic that this adjustment will help sustain the programme while working on further improvements.

While the increment is a step in the right direction, it may not fully address the concerns of those who run the programme daily. Analysts suggest that a more sustainable approach would involve periodic reviews of the feeding grant, better payment structures for caterers, and strategies to control food inflation. As discussions continue, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether this change leads to a tangible improvement in the school feeding initiative.