Project details

Project background 

In Renk, a border town receiving large numbers of displaced families, many arrive with nothing—no food, shelter, or reliable income. Children are among the most affected, facing high levels of malnutrition and disruption to their education. 

Hunger has a direct impact on whether children can attend school. Without enough to eat, families often prioritise survival over education, and children miss out on learning, safety, and stability. 

Project Overview 

This project uses a simple but proven approach: providing daily school meals to keep children fed, safe, and in the classroom. 

In partnership with the World Food Programme, Plan International will deliver freshly cooked meals to 7,690 children across 27 schools in Renk.

For many students, this will be the only reliable meal they receive each day—helping them stay focused, attend school regularly, and continue their education during a time of crisis. 

Funding from the Footprints Network contributes directly to the delivery of school meals and the establishment of school gardens. 

Our contribution will support life-saving food assistance for children in Renk, helping ensure they can continue learning, growing, and building a more secure future. 

Project Outcomes 

Alongside daily meals, the project delivers a broader package of support to improve children’s health and wellbeing: 

• Establishing school gardens in 15 schools to provide a sustainable source of fresh food 
• Providing clean water, hygiene supplies, and deworming treatment 
• Delivering nutrition, hygiene, and child protection education 
• Working with parents, teachers, and community leaders to support school attendance, especially for girls

Wherever possible, food is sourced locally, helping to strengthen local supply chains and support farmers. 

The impact 

This project delivers both life-saving support and longer-term benefits: 

• 7,690 children receive daily meals, improving attendance and learning outcomes
• Children and mothers receive treatment for malnutrition, with strong recovery targets
• Schools become healthier environments through improved nutrition, hygiene, and consistent food access 
• Families experience reduced pressure, while local farmers benefit from increased demand 

School meals also play a critical role in gender equality. When food is scarce, girls are often the first to leave school—regular meals help keep them enrolled and learning. 

Community involvement 

This is a locally-led, community-driven initiative: 

• Parents, teachers, and community members help manage school feeding programmes and support attendance 
• Local leaders and government authorities contribute to coordination, oversight, and safe delivery 
• Plan International South Sudan leads project implementation on the ground 
• The World Food Programme provides funding, food supplies, and technical expertise

This collaborative approach helps ensure the project is effective, accountable, and tailored to local needs.