SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAM IN RAKAI DISTRICT

In Uganda’s Rakai District, like in many rural regions, poverty and food insecurity remain deep-rooted challenges, particularly for children from underprivileged households. In these communities, school-going children often start their day without a meal and end it the same way. Their classrooms become places of fatigue instead of curiosity, and hunger slowly chips away at their right to education, health, and childhood itself.  
At Asante Children and Food Initiative (ACFI), we believe that no child should have to choose between going to school and going hungry. That’s why we launched our School Feeding Program in Rakai District, a transformative initiative aimed at reversing this crisis with a simple, powerful solution: daily nutritious meals in schools.
Through this project, ACFI is currently feeding 500 children every school day across carefully selected schools in Rakai. The meals are designed to meet basic nutritional standards, combining carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins to support healthy growth, brain development, and immune strength.
For many of the children we serve, this school meal is the only guaranteed food they receive all day. It becomes a powerful incentive for school attendance, relieves pressure on struggling families, and creates an environment where learning is possible.   
Key Objectives
1. Improve Child Nutrition: Reduce malnutrition-related conditions such as stunting, underweight, and fatigue by ensuring children receive at least one balanced meal every school day.
Boost School Attendance and Retention: Encourage regular school attendance by removing hunger as a barrier to learning. Schools report increased enrollment and lower dropout rates where feeding is consistent.
Enhance Academic Performance: Well-nourished children are more alert, active, and able to participate fully in class. We’re supporting not just school attendance, but school success.
Promote Equity and Child Protection: School feeding keeps vulnerable children, especially girls, safe and in school, reducing their risk of child labor, early marriage, or exploitation.
Voices from the Community
"Before the feeding program, my son used to skip school. He was always tired and weak. Now he comes home excited about school and full of stories. That food has changed everything for us." Sarah, mother of a P3 student
"We used to have children faint during morning lessons. Since the meals began, we’ve not seen that again. They’re learning better." Headteacher, participating school in Rakai
 
Sustainability and Community Engagement
Our approach goes beyond food delivery. We work closely with local school administrations, parents, and smallholder farmers to build community ownership and long-term sustainability. Wherever possible, we source ingredients locally, boosting the local economy and promoting food systems that serve children better.
Additionally, we incorporate nutrition education and hygiene promotion into the school day, helping children understand the value of healthy eating while developing lifelong habits.
Impact So Far
  1. 500 children receive daily school meals.
  2. Attendance in target schools has increased by over 30%.
  3. Malnutrition-related symptoms (lethargy, fainting, poor focus) have significantly reduced.
  4. Caregivers report improved family food planning and relief from the stress of feeding children alone.
 
Join Us in Expanding This Impact
We are currently feeding 500 children, but thousands more in Rakai District still go to school hungry. With your support, we can scale this program to more schools, reach more children, and build a foundation for a hunger-free future.
Every donation, partnership, or shared message helps nourish a child and open the door to a brighter tomorrow.
Donate or Partner with Us Today
Contact us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

DONATE

In Rakai District, and many parts of rural Uganda, hunger is the leading cause of school dropouts among children. Thousands of children arrive at school each day on empty stomachs, unable to concentrate, perform, or even remain in class. Over time, many simply stop coming. A meal can be the difference between a child staying in school or dropping out entirely. At Asante Children, we believe every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive, not be held back by an empty plate.

 

PARTNER

At Asante Children and Food Initiative (ACFI), we believe that lasting change is built on strong partnerships. The challenges of hunger, malnutrition, and school dropout are complex, but with committed partners by our side, they are solvable.
We invite individuals, nonprofits, schools, foundations, businesses, and government agencies to join us in creating a Uganda where no child goes hungry and every family thrives.
 
Why Partner With ACFI?

1. Your support directly reaches children with nutritious meals and keeps them in school.
2. We focus not only on feeding but on empowering families through livelihoods and education.
3. Our programs are rooted in local leadership and driven by community needs.
4. We provide regular updates and clear reporting on how your support is transforming lives.

Ways to Partner

1. Fund a school feeding program, support a garden, or sponsor caregiver training.
2. Donate food, agricultural inputs, tools, or school supplies.
3. Offer expertise in nutrition, agriculture, education, or monitoring & evaluation.
4. Help amplify our message, co-host events, or support campaigns.

Ready to partner? Let’s talk.
Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.     
Call us at:  256756746971
Or support us now via https://gofund.me/7e2f19ba

VOLUNTEER

Join Us as a Volunteer or Intern in Rakai
 
Are you passionate about making a lasting impact?
Join our team on the ground in Rakai District. We are welcoming volunteers and interns from around the world to be part of this life-changing project.
 
As a volunteer or intern, you will

1. Support our local feeding program
2. Engage directly with children and schools
3. Contribute to a brighter future for vulnerable communities

Please note: All volunteer and intern opportunities are subject to terms and conditions.
For more information, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Asante Children and Food Initiative
Asante Children and Food Initiative is a non-profit organization based in Kooki, Uganda.

Useful Links

URSB No: 80034721990622
NGO Certifice No: INDP0006694NB
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