In all the cases where countries are implementing their own national programmes, school feeding is included in national policy frameworks. Indeed, the largest programmes have the highest level of politicization, for example, in India where the programme is supported by a Supreme Court ruling and in Brazil where it is included in the Constitution. In many developing countries, school feeding is mentioned in the countries’ poverty reduction strategies, often linked to the agriculture, education, nutrition, or social protection sectors, or in sectoral policies or plans.

National planning should ensure that the government has identified the most appropriate role for HGSF in its development agenda. With donor harmonization efforts underway, it is increasingly important that, if made a priority, HGSF is included in sector plans, which form the basis for basket funding or sector wide approaches that determine the allocation of donor resources.

School Health Policy in Nigeria

At the national level a multi-sectoral national school health policy was launched in Nigeria in 2005. It recognizes the pivotal role of SHN in terms of achieving health and education for all goals (Nigeria School Health Policy) The objectives of the school feeding programme as framed in the national school health policy include;

• Hunger reduction among school pupils
• Increase in school enrolment, attendance, retention and completion rates particularly among children in poor rural communities and urban neighbourhoods
• Improving the nutritional status of school pupils
• Enhancing the comprehension and learning abilities of pupils/students

The policy identifies cross-sectoral responsibilities in the delivery of the school feeding services. For example, the responsibilities of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development outlined in the national school health policy includes:

• Promoting agricultural practices in schools
• Facilitating the services of Agriculture Extension Staff to schools
• Encouraging the formation and operation of Young Farmers‟ Clubs in schools
• Supplying improved farm inputs for crop and animal farming in schools. Developing suitable standards and cost effective meal plans for schools in different communities in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health

At policy level, there is commitment from many ministries that are key to the success of the O’MEALS programme in Osun state. The State plans and objectives lack legal backing and commitment for effective and sustainable implementation. However, a law is currently being drafted by the State Attorney General and is expected to be passed by the State House of Assembly to ensure the permanence of the programme, including state budget provisions.