Towards improving nutrition among school children while strengthening local rice value chains, TechnoServe has supported the Lagos rollout of the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP) “Snacks for Thought” Initiative, introducing Whole Grain Rice-based meals to pupils in Ikeja Local Council Area of the state.

During the Lagos implementation, 24 cooks and caterers received training on food safety, hygiene, storage, and rice preparation. Five caterers later prepared and served whole grain rice jollof meals across Opebi, Anifowose, and Ojodu Primary Schools, reaching nearly 1,000 pupils over three days.

In her presentation, TechnoServe Country Director, Adesuwa Akinboro, represented by Project Manager, Ava Bawa, said the initiative highlights the importance of linking nutrition interventions with local agricultural systems. “Through the WAFPUR Project, TechnoServe is supporting efforts that promote nutritious food options, while strengthening the capacity of actors who contribute to Nigeria’s food systems,” she noted.

She also noted that the rollout also provided insights from caterers and school administrators on the suitability and acceptance of Whole Grain Rice in school feeding programs, saying the findings would inform future expansion and scaling across Nigeria.

One of the trained cooks expressed appreciation on the programme: “This training has opened our eyes to better ways of preparing nutritious rice meals for children. We thank the organisers for giving us this opportunity, and I promise to put the knowledge into practice to ensure pupils enjoy safe and healthy meals every day.”

By supporting caterers and local rice processors, the firm aims to improve access to quality rice products, while creating sustainable market opportunities. The RH-NHGSFP “Snacks for Thought” Initiative is expected to serve as a platform for boosting child nutrition, supporting local production, and building resilient food systems nationwide.