School Feeding Caterers Welcome Fee Increase but Call for More Support
The School Feeding Caterers Association has expressed appreciation for the government's decision to raise the feeding grant for basic school students from GHC 1.50 to GHC 2.00. This development was announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson during a social media interaction on March 9, ahead of the 2025 budget presentation scheduled for March 11. The move aims to address long-standing concerns from caterers and educational stakeholders about the inadequacy of funds allocated for feeding schoolchildren. While the association acknowledges this as a step in the right direction, it believes the increment is still insufficient to meet the rising cost of food and sustain the quality of meals provided.
Speaking in an interview with Citi News, Nana Otu Sakyi-Amo Twafohene, the National President of the School Feeding Caterers Association, expressed gratitude for the government's response to their advocacy efforts. He emphasized that while the increase brings some relief, there is still a need for further improvements, including extending the program to junior high school students. He highlighted that the sustainability of the school feeding initiative should be a priority for any administration, as it plays a crucial role in enhancing school attendance and improving children's nutrition. He also took the opportunity to thank former President John Dramani Mahama for considering the caterers' demands, acknowledging their persistent calls for an upward review of the feeding fee. However, he reiterated that GHC 2.00 per child remains inadequate given the prevailing economic conditions, and the caterers would have to manage with the available funds.
The new feeding rate is set to take effect from the third term, starting in April. This increment is expected to bring some relief to caterers who have struggled to keep up with rising food prices while ensuring that children receive proper meals in schools. Nonetheless, stakeholders in the education sector continue to call for a more sustainable approach to funding the program, including periodic reviews that align with inflation and food costs. The caterers remain hopeful that further increments will be considered in the near future to improve the program's effectiveness. As discussions around the 2025 budget continue, many are looking forward to additional measures that will enhance the school feeding initiative and ensure that no child goes hungry while pursuing their education.
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