To promote transparency and collaboration, stakeholders from various groups convened at the Belize School Feeding Stakeholder Update Meeting on November 29th. Hosted by Mesoamerica Hunger-Free AMEXCID-FAO, the gathering provided an overview of the significant progress made in Belize's School Feeding Program.

The event counted on the presence of key figures such as Ms. Yolanda Gongora, Chief Education Officer at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST), and attended by representatives from the Belize Parliamentary Alliance Against Hunger and Malnutrition, the School Feeding Technical Committee, and other prominent organizations like UNICEF, the World Food Program, and PAHO.

Cathleen Juan, Mesoamerica Hunger-Free AMEXCID-FAO and School Feeding Coordinator, initiated the meeting with an overview of the School Feeding Program's achievements, emphasizing the pivotal role played by the Belize Parliamentary Alliance Against Hunger and Malnutrition and the School Feeding Technical Committee. The aim of the gathering was to ensure that all stakeholders were well-informed about the developments, fostering effective communication and collaboration.

Mesoamerica Hunger-Free AMEXCID-FAO has been actively involved in enhancing the capabilities of officials responsible for the School Feeding Program. They organized a virtual Belize school feeding forum event to showcase ongoing initiatives and encourage interinstitutional sharing and coordination.

The virtual meeting's agenda covered various aspects, including a presentation on school infrastructure survey results, student nutrition indicators, and an overview of the sustainable school feeding model. The meeting also allowed for interactive sessions, fostering open discussions and providing stakeholders with an opportunity to raise questions and suggest areas of collaboration.

Ms. Gongora, in her opening remarks, expressed her enthusiasm about the positive outcomes from pilots, like the ones implemented by Mesoamerica Hunger-Free AMEXCID-FAO in four schools of the Toledo district, and the current Healthy Start Program. Notably, she highlighted an increase in attendance and attention among students participating in the School Feeding Program. Utilizing data from pilot programs, the MoECST secured funding from Taiwan for school meals, ensuring three years of progress.

Cathleen Juan further provided a comprehensive update on the background, timeline, and various pilots that have positively impacted the National School Feeding Program. She outlined the Sustainable School Feeding Structure, including a decentralized procurement structure, updated school kitchens, and the crucial role of principals in program implementation.

During the meeting, the results of the 2021-22 AMEXCID-FAO Mesoamerica Hunger-Free survey were presented, focusing on the prevalence of school kitchens, equipment, and appliances. Additionally, the Student Nutrition Survey revealed concerning rates of overweight and obesity among primary students, prompting discussions on the importance of addressing unhealthy dietary habits.

Doris Sutherland, from FAO Belize, presented an overview of school menus, emphasizing the nutrient profile used in their design. Questions and comments from stakeholders, such as concerns about the adequacy of funding and opportunities for collaboration, were addressed with transparency and pragmatism.

This meeting provided a comprehensive overview of the School Feeding Program's current state. Stakeholders appreciated the information shared and expressed a keen interest in further discussions and collaborations to enhance the effectiveness of school feeding initiatives in Belize.

In her closing remarks, Cathleen Juan expressed gratitude for the collaborative spirit, emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts in the School Feeding Program. The diverse group of attendees demonstrated a unified commitment to the cause.