Building on Our Commitment to Nutritional Well-being in Schools
Dikoda is proud to announce the initiation of phase 2, a pivotal continuation of our work under a new contract following the successful completion of phase 1 in 2023. This phase focuses on a feasibility study of a community-based school meal program in Fiji, aimed at exploring the most suitable modalities for school meals within the local context.
A Deep Dive into Community-Based School Meal Modalities
Engaging Key Actors through Focus Group Discussions This activity involves a comprehensive review to identify potential modalities for community-based school meals, such as sourcing food from local farms, school gardens, or local markets, and utilizing community kitchens for meal preparation. We will conduct focus group discussions with local farmers, government officials, school staff, parents, and students to understand their views on the feasibility, acceptability, and cost implications of these modalities.
Pilot Vegetable Intervention in Schools In three selected schools, we will demonstrate the potential of increasing children’s vegetable intake by integrating additional vegetables into regular school meals. This intervention, complemented by training for canteen operators and follow-up assessments, will provide valuable insights into purchase and consumption behaviors and feedback from both students and canteen staff.
Comprehensive Cost Analysis A detailed cost analysis of various potential school meal modalities will be conducted, comparing different approaches and gathering data from local stakeholders. This will form a crucial part of the discussions in our focus groups, contributing to a more informed decision-making process.
The Path Forward
These activities are designed to provide a holistic understanding of the feasibility and impact of community-based school meal programs in Fiji. We are committed to identifying the best practices that can be adopted to enhance the nutritional well-being of school children in the region.
Join Us on This Journey
Stay tuned for updates as we progress in this vital project. At Dikoda, we are driven by our mission to contribute to the betterment of communities through informed research and practical solutions. For more information about our projects and collaborations, visit our website.
