Government increases school feeding grant from GH¢1.50 to GH¢2 per pupil

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has announced an increase in the feeding grant under the Ghana School Feeding Programme, raising the allocation per pupil from GH¢1.50 to GH¢2.

She said the adjustment forms part of measures aimed at improving the quality and nutritional value of meals provided to pupils enrolled in the programme, which serves millions of children in public basic schools nationwide.

Dr. Lartey disclosed this while answering questions in Parliament on Wednesday, June 24, regarding the cost and implementation of the School Feeding Programme, one of the government's key social intervention initiatives designed to promote school enrolment, attendance, and academic performance.

According to the minister, the increase responds to concerns raised by caterers and other stakeholders over rising food prices and the growing cost of preparing nutritious meals for pupils.

“I had earlier stated that the amount used to be GH¢1.50 and that has been increased to GH¢2. The tax component has also been taken off so that the caterers can have the full amount to be able to serve our children,” she stated.

Dr. Lartey explained that the removal of the tax component is intended to ensure caterers receive the entire allocation without deductions, thereby enhancing their capacity to provide adequate and nutritious meals for schoolchildren.

The Ghana School Feeding Programme, implemented through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, provides one hot meal each school day to pupils in public basic schools, particularly those in underserved communities.

Beyond improving nutrition, the programme seeks to increase school attendance, reduce hunger among children, and stimulate local agricultural production through the procurement of food items from local farmers.