Lubango: School meals in Angola have transitioned to the supervision of municipal administrations, with a focus on utilizing family farming products, as announced by the Minister of Education, Lusa Grilo. The new approach, termed ‘School Feeding,’ is shifting financial responsibility from the Integrated Program for Local Development and Fight against Poverty to the General State Budget, specifically earmarked for municipal administrations to manage school meals.
According to Angola Press News Agency, this transition is part of Presidential Decree No. 83/25, dated April 15, which endorses the National School Feeding Plan (PNAE) in Angola. This strategic document aims to ensure students in public schools have access to food, thus promoting nutritional security and supporting children’s development. During a meeting with the Government of Hula, Minister Grilo highlighted that the new initiative will provide hot meals, moving away from the previous practice of serving cold food.
The minister emphasized that the goal is to improve students’ approval and retention rates by extending school meals to all primary schools. A per capita value has been approved under the PNAE to ensure equitable distribution of resources according to the number of students in each school and municipality, addressing their specific needs.
A significant aspect of the school feeding strategy is its reliance on local production. By prioritizing family farming over imported goods, the initiative aims to mitigate poverty’s impact on families. The Ministry of Social Action is involved in this effort, focusing on supporting families who will produce and supply food to school administrations.
Moreover, the program addresses nutritional concerns, involving the Ministry of Health to update and implement nutritional standards tailored to local realities. The General Inspection of State Administration (IGAE) will oversee the process to ensure funds are allocated exclusively for school meals.
The implementation of the PNAE from 2025 to 2027 aims to enhance the nutrition and school attendance of primary school children across Angola.