The concept would provide at least one meal per day per child in school in developing countries. It was initially proposed by former Senator George McGovern, Ambassador to the Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations during the National Nutrition Summit last May.
Girls especially benefit from school meal programs.
WFP studies indicate that girls with no education give birth to an average of six children. Girls with some education average less than three births. The studies conclude that when meals are provided, more children, particularly girls, will attend school resulting in reduced population growth and a more educated populace. This results in improved economies in developing countries. The pilot would serve an estimated nine million children in countries yet to be determined.