Implementation status of Tanzania's national school feeding guideline: a case study of Morogoro Municipality
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Date
2026
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety
Abstract
Aims: In the context of Tanzania’s National School Feeding and Nutrition Services Guideline (2020), this
study aimed to assess its implementation in primary schools, focusing on meal provision and parental
contributions as key operational components.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study design combining quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted
in primary schools in Morogoro Municipality between June and August 2025.Data were collected from 10
primary schools (six public and four private). Quantitative data were obtained through structured surveys
administered to 381 pupils in grades 5–7. Qualitative data were collected through key informant interviews
with 10 head teachers and focus group discussions with 25 school food committee members. Quantitative data
were analysed using descriptive statistics and independent-samples t-tests, while qualitative data were
analysed thematically to explore school-level practices related to meal provision and parental contributions.
Results: School meals comprised 3.55 food groups, with private schools providing significantly more diverse
meals than public schools (p < .001). Most public schools relied on simple and repetitive meals, primarily
cereals and legumes, reflecting limited and irregular parental contributions and constrained storage facilities.
Qualitative findings indicated that head teachers and teachers played a central role in menu planning and
programme management, with decisions largely shaped by resource availability rather than full adherence to
guideline standards. Parental contributions were the primary source of financing across all schools, though
contributions were often insufficient to support diversified meal provision.
Conclusion: The findings suggest a gap between national school feeding policy expectations and school-level
implementation capacity. Differences in meal diversity and financing arrangements appeared to reflect
variation in household economic capacity and school-level resources. Strengthening school-level technical
support for menu planning, together with improved communication and reporting mechanisms, may improve
adherence to guideline standards. In addition, clearer operational guidance, standardized reporting
mechanisms, and stronger mechanisms for parent involvement may support more consistent and equitable
implementation of school feeding programmes.
Description
European Journal of
Nutrition & Food Safety,
18(4), 12–23..
Keywords
School feeding programmes, Implementation of school feeding guidelines, School food committee, Dietary diversity, Tanzania
Citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/ejnfs/2026/v18i41995