Imagine being unable to read. Imagine a world where you could not use your phone, read medicine labels, understand important documents, or fully participate in society.
This is what the future looks like for nearly 70% of 10-year-olds in low-and middle-income countries, who cannot read a simple text. Many will leave school before mastering basic literacy skills and may remain unable to read for the rest of their lives. The consequences extend far beyond the classroom, limiting opportunities for employment, health, civic participation, and economic independence.
At the same time, millions of children face another barrier to learning: hunger. Globally, 400 million children, or one in five, do not receive the nutrients they need to survive, grow, and learn. Hunger affects concentration, memory, attendance, and cognitive development, making it harder for children to learn to read.
School meals are one of the most effective ways to address both problems. By ensuring children receive nutritious food at school, these programs help improve attendance, keep children focused in class, and create the conditions they need to learn.
Across the countries where CARE works, the impact is clear. In Ghana, children gather each day to receive nutritious local meals rich in proteins and vitamins, encouraging regular school attendance and reducing child labor. In Somalia, where millions face severe hunger, school meals are a lifeline that keeps children in school and helps them learn.
Communities understand that school meals are an investment in children’s futures. Working alongside governments and local partners, CARE helps deliver nutritious school meals while strengthening education systems, supporting teachers, and improving learning environments. Together, these efforts are helping more children stay in school, learn to read, and build brighter futures.
