Zimbabwe

Mary’s Meals provides nutritious meals for more than 179,000 children in Zimbabwe in over 350 places of education

Zimbabwe ranks 153 out of 193 countries and territories in the Human Development Index (HDI).

Following years of failed rainy seasons caused in part by the El Niño weather phenomenon, the risk of increased food insecurity and depleted crop harvests is stark for the former ‘breadbasket’ of Southern Africa. Climate shocks have converged with economic instability, compounding the day-to-day difficulties faced by subsistence farmers and low-income households. Many basic commodities are now unaffordable for most families.

Our school feeding programme is delivered by two partner organisations: Mavambo Orphan Care (MOC) and the Organisation of Rural Associations for Progress (ORAP). Thanks to their expertise and commitment, our meals are served in Harare and Mashonaland East Provinces, as well as Umguza, Nkayi, and Bubi Districts in the southern part of Matabeleland North Province. The promise of a daily meal served in school is a lifeline to families with dwindling food stocks and also helps to promote access to education in places where poverty and hunger are significant barriers to learning.