Mary's Meals

Mary's Meals is a grassroots global movement which began in 2002. We set up school feeding programmes in communities where poverty and hunger prevent children from gaining an education. It is a simple idea that works. By providing a daily meal in a place of learning, chronically poor children are attracted into the classroom where they receive a basic education that can provide an escape route from poverty. Our school feeding programmes are owned and run by local communities. In Malawi alone, more than 80,000 volunteers prepare and serve our school meals. Together, we feed more than 1.5 million children across 18 countries every school day. Our largest programme is in Malawi, where 30% of primary school-aged children receive Mary’s Meals. Our vision is that every child receives one daily meal in their place of education and that all those who have more than they need, share with those who lack even the most basic things.

In schools where Mary’s Meals are served, hunger is reduced, enrolment increases, attendance improves, drop-out rates fall, absences dwindle, concentration in lessons is heightened, attainment levels increase, parents are less anxious, and children are happier.