Contributing to the development of the National School Feeding Programme in Morocco, particularly by improving its economic efficiency.

Developing a sustainable school feeding strategy and implementing a campaign to promote healthy lifestyles.

Partnership between SIFI and the UN World Food Programme

in Morocco

In collaboration with the UN World Food Programme (WFP), SIFI participated in the implementation of the “Capacity Development and Support for the National School Feeding Programme” in Morocco.

Primary objectives

Strengthening operational aspects: Ensuring the effective operation of the National School Feeding Programme in schools and residential institutions.

Improving system management: Enhancing the program’s economic efficiency through the adoption of best management practices and resource optimization.

To kick off the project, we conducted a Comprehensive Assessment of the National School Feeding Programme. This evaluation provided truthful and reliable data, enabling us to identify areas for improvement and propose solutions.

Key areas of analysis included:

Our

actions

Institutional governance: Assessing management capabilities at the central, regional, and local levels, including an evaluation of human resources.

Decentralization and community involvement: Evaluating the potential for decentralizing management and increasing the role of local communities in school feeding initiatives.

Supply chain management: Analyzing procurement and food distribution systems.

Nutrition and food safety: Assessing nutrition standards and food safety practices linked to school feeding programmes.

Legal and organizational framework: Reviewing existing regulations and national policies governing school feeding.

Assessment results

Following the Comprehensive Assessment, we developed an Action Plan aligned with the National Strategy for School Feeding Development.

The plan’s key directions included:

Decentralized management:
To improve decision-making efficiency, we proposed delegating some school feeding responsibilities to regional authorities. Local governments are better positioned to understand specific challenges and respond quickly to emerging issues.

Decentralized management:

To improve decision-making efficiency, we proposed delegating some school feeding responsibilities to regional authorities. Local governments are better positioned to understand specific challenges and respond quickly to emerging issues.

Strengthening monitoring and management systems:

Developing and implementing effective tools for monitoring, evaluating, and managing the School Feeding Programme.

Building capacity among stakeholders:

Conducting specialized training sessions for all stakeholders, including school staff, regional authorities, and other key participants.

Creating operational guidelines:

Developing comprehensive manuals and instructions for effective school feeding management.

Introducing diverse and balanced menus:

Designing varied and nutritionally balanced meal plans to ensure children receive essential nutrients.

The Action Plan outlined several pilot projects. Among the most ambitious was the establishment of a centralized kitchen facility to produce and deliver meals to schools lacking on-site cooking facilities.

The centralized kitchen was expected to be managed by a specialized operator through an outsourcing agreement.

in school feeding

The “Capacity Development and Support for the National School Feeding Programme” continued moving into high gear. We are confident that our efforts have made a significant impact, improving the health and academic performance of children in schools and boarding institutions across Morocco.

in Tunisia

In collaboration with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the local government, we created a sustainable school feeding strategy.

What we achieved:

Conducted a comprehensive assessment of school feeding in Tunisia

Facilitated knowledge exchange on school feeding programme management

Designed a roadmap for the development of a Sustainable School Feeding Strategy

The Tunisian Government prioritized improving the quality of school meals, and the SIFI team committed itself to addressing this challenge. By employing a unique methodology for the comprehensive assessment of school feeding, we gained deep insights into all aspects of the process.

Project

progress

We started with desk research, analyzing the legal and institutional frameworks for school feeding in Tunisia. Our experts examined supply chain management and regulatory documents. However, theory alone is insufficient, so we conducted field visits to schools across the country.

During these visits, we closely reviewed the situation in schools. We studied diverse feeding models, kitchen management systems, procurement methods, and community engagement approaches. These hands-on observations helped us identify challenges and uncover best practices.

For instance, one school successfully partnered with local farmers for fresh produce, while another implemented an effective quality control system. These examples inspired comprehensive solutions aimed at improving school feeding nationwide.

Our work went beyond analysis and recommendations. We actively engaged with schools, local authorities, and communities to implement new approaches and refine existing school feeding systems.

In schools where our recommendations were applied, the quality of meals significantly improved, gaining approval of students and parents. Yet, we did not stop there. Every day, we continued seeking new ways to make the school feeding system a benchmark for excellence.

SIFI experts have paved the way for a future where every student in Tunisia receives healthy, nutritious, and balanced meals essential for their growth and development. We believe instilling healthy eating habits from an early age is vital, and through our efforts, this vision became a reality.

Though our work in Tunisia is over, our contributions to the school feeding system have left a lasting impact. We are proud of having improved the lives of countless children and their families by ensuring access to quality nutrition.

Comprehensive Assessment

The comprehensive assessment culminated in a roadmap for a Sustainable School Feeding Strategy. The overarching goal of the strategy is to create a more resilient and effective school feeding system in Tunisia. Key elements include:

Stakeholder mapping: Identifying key actors, their roles, and responsibilities

Defining development priorities: Establishing core areas for progress

Alternative feeding models: Tailoring approaches to regional needs

Action plan development: Outlining steps to implement the strategy

SIFI experts crafted an integrated plan to promote healthy lifestyles through several targeted initiatives encouraging proper dietary habits among schoolchildren.

Healthy Lifestyles

We produced engaging short videos on school meals for television and online platforms. Using vivid and memorable visuals, we successfully conveyed the key principles of healthy eating and the importance of following them in school canteens to a broad audience.

To showcase our work, we invited journalists to visit Tunisian schools and witness the transformative impact of our initiatives. They explored success stories and saw firsthand how new practices were changing students’ lives.

We equipped journalists with comprehensive media kits, including key project data, success stories, and multimedia content, simplifying their reporting tasks.

Media coverage was central to our programme’s success. We organized PR events, including contests for children, and distributed project-branded souvenirs. These activities not only drew attention to our mission but also fostered a sense of ownership among children, making them feel part of something meaningful.

We remain steadfast in our belief that cultivating healthy eating habits early is essential, and our efforts have brought this vision closer to reality.

School menu development guide

Additional

One major outcome was the creation of a guide for developing school meal plans, featuring 12 balanced menus tested in Tunisian schools.

These menus meet international standards for nutrients and calories while respecting Tunisian culinary traditions, making meals both nutritious and appealing to students.

School menu development guide

One major outcome was the creation of a guide for developing school meal plans, featuring 12 balanced menus tested in Tunisian schools.

These menus meet international standards for nutrients and calories while respecting Tunisian culinary traditions, making meals both nutritious and appealing to students.

Training programmes

We developed training courses for education department employees at central and regional levels. These programmes enhanced their qualifications, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to manage school feeding effectively.

Upgraded information management system

Upgrading the electronic management system was a pivotal step in improving school feeding operations. We refined the existing demo version and designed a new, advanced system that streamlined data management.

This cutting-edge system revolutionized the information management system, ensuring transparency and accuracy. It significantly improved control and management of school feeding, simplifying the tracking of all processes, from procurement to food distribution, which resulted in higher-quality meals and better overall programme efficiency.