An NGO, Feast for the Nations, has said it is bridging gaps in school feeding for children in underserved communities in Ibadan through targeted nutrition interventions aimed at improving learning outcomes.

In a recent outreach at FOA Primary School in Ode-Aje, the organisation provided meals for 266 pupils in a single exercise, bringing its total reach to about 678 children across its programmes.

FFTN said many of the beneficiaries are very young children who often attend school without adequate nutrition, a situation that affects their ability to concentrate and learn effectively.

The organisation explained that it operates on a model that costs about N3,000 to feed a child for one week, a framework it says has helped sustain its outreach efforts amid rising food prices.

Founder of FFTN, Olanike Adenuga, said the initiative goes beyond feeding, focusing on enabling children to learn with improved focus and dignity.

“We realised that we weren’t just filling stomachs; we were clearing the path for a child’s mind to actually work. You can’t teach a hungry child, but you can empower a nourished one,” she said.

FFTN also said its programme supports local food vendors in the communities where it operates, creating economic opportunities while ensuring meals are locally sourced and prepared.

The organisation noted that this approach helps extend the impact of the initiative beyond pupils to families and small businesses within the community.

According to the group, its activities have also attracted increasing volunteer participation, growing from a small team to a wider network of community supporters.

At the latest outreach in Ode-Aje, about 20 new volunteers joined the programme, reflecting growing interest in grassroots social impact work.

FFTN said its intervention is aimed at complementing existing school feeding efforts in Nigeria, where gaps in coverage and implementation continue to affect many children.

The organisation said it works within these gaps to provide immediate and flexible support to schools and pupils in need.

FFTN called for stronger partnerships with individuals, corporate organisations, and development partners to expand its reach and sustain its programmes.

The organisation reiterated its goal of ensuring that no child is left hungry in school, noting that even small contributions can make a significant difference in a child’s learning experience.