The Effectiveness and Sustainability of Nutritious School Feeding Programs in Developing Countries: A Systematic Literature Review Susanti1, Arih Diyaning Intiasari1, Eri Wahyuningsih1
1Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
Abstract
Malnutrition among school-aged children remains a critical public health issue in developing countries, affecting physical development and learning outcomes. This systematic literature review aims to synthesize quantitative evidence on the effectiveness and sustainability of nutritious school lunch programs in improving children^s nutritional status and academic performance. Using PRISMA guidelines, four primary studies published between 2015 and 2025 were selected from PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The findings reveal that such programs significantly enhance body mass index, weight gain, and height-for-age, improving grades and reducing school absenteeism. Moreover, integrating locally sourced foods and active stakeholder involvement are key factors influencing long-term sustainability. Despite notable challenges such as limited infrastructure, human resources, and bureaucratic procurement systems, these programs offer strategic value in addressing the dual burden of malnutrition and educational inequality. Strengthening intersectoral collaboration and promoting adaptive policy frameworks are essential to enhance the scalability and impact of these interventions in low-resource settings.
Keywords: School Lunch Programs- Malnutrition- Developing Countries- Academic Performance- Sustainability
