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School Feeding in El Salvador Support the School Feeding and HealthProgram (PASE) by producing Biofortikin partnership with

SonsonateEl Salvadorin El Salvador, which particularly affects 14% of children aged 6 to 59 months.Focused on strengthening the School Feeding and Health Program (PASE),the initiative addresses nutritional deficiencies by producing Biofortik, afortified beverage. The project supports 500 small-scale corn and sorghum producers,strengthens the Biofortik production plant’s capacity and promotes theacceptance of the fortified beverage among 420,000 students in publicschools. The plan includes capacity building for small producers, infrastructureinvestments for the Biofortik plant and a behavior change strategy to improvethe beverage’s acceptance. The initiative addresses malnutrition issues andemphasizes sustainability, gender sensitivity and the economic impact on localcommunities, aligning with the broader goals of El Salvador’s SocialDevelopment Plan. This project is an example of a food systems approachencompassing all phases, from food production to consumption.Section 011. Project OverviewSonsonate department in ElSalvadorSchool Feeding in El Salvador ProposalLocation:In-CountryPartner (ICP): WFP El SalvadorAmountRequested: $2,200,000.00Beneficiaries:420,000 children, 500 small-scale sorghum andcorn producersTimeline:September 2024 - April 2026 (18 months) Summary: The proposal responds to the pressing issue of malnutrition1

MenEl Salvador is a lower-middle-income country with a populationof 6.3 million people. While ElSalvador has improved its foodsecurity, nutrition, gender equality,poverty and security in recentyears, it still faces severalchallenges. These include limitedaccess to food and nutrition, limitedjob opportunities and low incomesleading to irregular migration, highvulnerability to the effects ofclimate change and considerablegender inequalities. Food priceincreases caused by COVID-19, thewar in Ukraine and climate changehave exacerbated many challengesfor people already living invulnerable conditions, creatingeven more inequality, poverty andfood insecurity.Malnutrition in El SalvadorIn 2023, approximately 14% ofchildren aged 6 to 59 months in ElSalvador suffer from chronicmalnutrition. According to a recentstudy by the World Bank, anemiaamong Salvadoran children under 5years of age is 25%. Additionally, across the country 10% of children under the age of 5 present low weight for their heightand 5% low weight for their age.AgeGroup ChronicMalnutritionOverweight andObesityUnder 5years old 10%Obesity: 8.3%Firstgraders9%Average: 30.7%Overweight: 17.1%Obesity: 13.6%Teenagers1.8% ofstudents areunderweightAverage: 38.4%Overweight: 28.8% Obesity: 9.6%Amidst these concerningmalnutrition rates, school mealsstand out as a pivotal strategy.Through school meals, not only canchildren enhance their health andnutritional well-being, but they alsogain improved learning capabilities,broadening their educationalopportunities. More broadly, schoolfeeding can also support the wholecommunity by providing animportant safety net and bolsteringfood systems and economies. When school meal programs arelinked to local smallholder farmers,they also benefit local economiesand support the establishment ofbetter-designed, sustainable foodsystems that are also gender andclimate sensitive.2. Challenges and OpportunitiesSection 022

MenSchool feeding in El Salvador is apriority issue on the nationalpolitical agenda. The SocialDevelopment Plan (2019-2024)highlights the reduction ofmalnutrition and food insecurity asa key goal. The First Lady of ElSalvador has placed the welfare ofSalvadoran children at the center ofnational debate and action throughthe “Crecer Juntos” Law, whichestablishes the implementation ofhealth and school feedingprograms. The School Feeding and HealthProgram (PASE, for its Spanishacronym) is the country’s mostcrucial social protection system dueto its coverage of more than 1million students and its importancefor developing Salvadoran children.PASE currently reaches 5,127 publicschool centers (MINEDUCYT), 192early education centers and 34rural health and nutrition centers. PASE aims to increase schoolenrollment and attendance, reduceschool dropout rates, improve theeducational environment andresults of education, and impactchildren’s futures. PASE began byproviding food rations to school-age children, mainly in places withextreme poverty, where malnutrition rates were high, andfamilies could not afford their foodneeds. Currently, PASE is theleading social programimplemented by the government ofEl Salvador, providing relief to themost vulnerable families in thecountry who can ensure that theirchildren receive a snack at school.Under this approach, WFP ElSalvador strengthens theproduction of the bio-fortifiedbeverage, Biofortik, for PASEthrough training, processimprovements and equipmentprovision promoted by the Ministryof Education, Science andTechnology (MINEDUCYT) incollaboration with the Ministry ofAgriculture and Livestock (MAG).Biofortik is derived from high-quality protein corn and sorghum,is vitaminized, and is free ofpreservatives or colorants,providing essential micronutrientsto students in El Salvador. With420,000 students across 4,700educational institutions receivingthe beverage, the Ministry ofEducation aims to expand its reachto 650,000 students, marking anincrease of almost 55%. For furtherinsights into Biofortik, refer to thegray box on the following page.Section 023

MenFood For The Poor (FFTP)operates as a collaborativeplatform, aligning its programmaticgoals with the UN SustainableDevelopment Goals (SDGs) toaddress global challengescollectively. This strategicalignment, exemplified by FFTP’spartnership with the World FoodProgram (WFP), reflectsinternational standards andunderscores FFTP’s commitment totransformative partnerships,particularly highlighted in Goal 17.By fostering an inclusive ecosystemand emphasizing sustainabledevelopment, FFTP plays a pivotalrole in fulfilling the central promiseof the 2030 Agenda, ensuring noone is left behind.Particularly in El Salvador, FFTPcontributes to WFP’s aim to secureequal and adequate food andnutrition and strengthen foodsystems by enhancing foodproduction, local consumption andaccess to healthy product markets.All partners in this project includeMINEDUCYT, MAG, the NationalCenter for Agricultural Technology(CENTA), small corn and sorghumproducers, and commercialintermediaries.Biofortik is a nutritionalsupplement containing amino-chelated iron. It effectivelyaddresses iron deficiency anemia.Presented in powder form, a 30-gram serving in milk or waterprovides 10% of a child’s caloricneeds. It is consumed thriceweekly during the school year aspart of the school snack program. To boost domestic agriculture,MINEDUCYT transitioned fromimporting a similar product toproducing Biofortik locally,supporting small-scale producers. The following pictures werecaptured at the Biofortik plant.Section 024

Support 500 small corn and sorghum producers in western ElSalvador to increase their crop yield, efficiency and income.Strengthen the Biofortik plant’s installed capacity by investingin infrastructure, machinery, safety, personnel training andprocess improvements (e.g., safety).Improve the acceptance of the Biofortik beverage and healthyeating habits in schools through a food education and behaviorchange strategy.3. Project Description: Our Course of ActionWhen school meal programs are linked to local smallholder farmers, they alsobenefit local economies and support the establishment of more efficient andresilient food systems. With that in mind, WFP El Salvador seeks to supportthe strengthening of PASE to potentially reach 650,000 students in a holisticmanner through three specific objectives:This objective includes improving farmers’ productive capacity and productquality, as well as promoting the commercialization of their production in theBiofortik production plant and in other markets. It also encourages the sale ofits production through institutional purchases by MINEDUCYT, followingsimplified selling conditions. All of these measures increase the producer’syield, efficiency and income.In summary, this objective entails capacity-building, delivery of agriculturalinputs (high-yield certified seeds and fertilizers) and linking small producerswith markets. A. Capacity building and agricultural inputsThis work will take place in the department of Sonsonate. It involves improvingcorn and sorghum production techniques and technology, adaptation to theeffects of climate change, market access, water and soil conservationtechniques, organic fertilizer production, and integrated pest control, amongothers.Support 500 small corn and sorghum producers Section 035

We will also strengthen the postharvest crop management component,emphasizing quality and safety. To ensure an increase in Biofortik’s production,it is essential to work with small producers and associations so that they canrespond to a national production of corn and sorghum in terms of time, quality,quantity and competitive prices.In addition, technical monitoring of the production cycle and support forpostharvest management will be provided through the purchase of threshingmachines and grain storage sacks.B. Smallholder farmers’ access to marketsLocal sorghum producers will be able to position their crops with theinstitutional market that represents Biofortik’s production. However, they willalso have the independence to sell on the open market if prices are better orthe production volume enables them to position their surplus. Producersregularly receive a higher payment than the market because they follow thegrain selection, cleaning and packaging processes required by the plant.To link small producers with markets, agreements will be established withcommercial intermediaries that will collect corn and sorghum production,ensure proper grain treatment, and supply the Biofortik plant according to itsneeds. In exchange for a fee corresponding to 20% of the production price perquintal, these agreements will expand the current offer and meet the demandof 650,000 students for the first year of the intervention.Strengthen the Biofortik plant’s installed capacityBiofortik’s production plant is located in San Juan Opico, in the department ofLa Libertad. Currently, it can produce beverages for 500,000 students,representing about 50% of the demand (considering more than 1 millionstudents in public schools under the existing twice-weekly snack distributionscheme). The long-term objective is to strengthen the plant’s capacity toguarantee an annual production of at least 1,500 tons of Biofortik to cover ahigher percentage of the PASE demand, which will be achieved through theactions listed on the following page.Section 036

Promote healthy eating habits and increase Biofortik acceptance in schoolsPurchase and maintenance of machinery (mixers, extrusion line, etc.), civilworks and production equipment for the Biofortik beverage. Technical andfinancial assistance will be provided to improve the plant’s safety, maintainits infrastructure and improve its storage, security and administration.Strategy to improve the safety situation in the plant, for which a qualityconsultancy will be carried out in the plant and laboratories to ensure thesafety and quality of the product.WFP El Salvador is committed toenhancing communication strategies toboost Biofortik beverage acceptanceamong students in national schools. Thisinvolves providing teachers witheducational tools on food, nutrition andhealth, extending to those handling food,students, parents and volunteers. Toachieve long-term sustainable behaviorchange, WFP actively promotes theimplementation of the Social andBehavior Change Communication(SBCC) strategy, aiming to influencepositive shifts in social norms andattitudes among participants.Technological Impact: In addition tothe acquisition of new equipment forthe plant, the project will include theuse of new methodologies and theadoption of a new skill set for 11workers: nine operators, one technicalassistant and one manager, which willgenerate an increase incompetitiveness.Strengthen and consolidate theknowledge and technical andadministrative skills of MINEDUCYTstaff and plant personnel, reviewand improve the plant’s purchasingpractices, improve the list ofsuppliers, and support negotiatingagreements, among others.WFP implements gender-sensitivestrategies, supporting smallproducers, reinforcing socialprotection systems and fosteringinclusive marketing for foodsystems. The approach centers onsocial inclusion, addressing theneeds of vulnerable groups,especially women headinghouseholds. Actions includeawareness programs, parentaleducation and nutrition initiatives.Training for Biofortik plant workersfocuses on gender equality andinclusive communication,emphasizing equal opportunitiesfor all.Section 037For photos of the Biofortik plant, click here.

Output/ProductIndicator Outcome/Result 1: Support 500 small corn andsorghum producers to improve their productivecapacity and the quality of their product, and tocommercialize their production in the Biofortikplant through institutional purchases byMINEDUCYT and other markets and throughsimplified conditions, increasing the producer’syield, efficiency and income.% income increase of participating farmers dueto corn and sorghum production.% yield increase in corn and sorghumproduction by participating farmers.% of production sold to Biofortik plant byparticipating farmers.% increase in marketed production ofparticipating farmers.1.1 500 small producers have improvedproduction and marketing capabilities appliedto the local market.Number of producers trained andincluded in the raw material distributionline of the Biofortik plant.1.2 Increased production of corn and sorghum.Tons of corn and sorghum produced andmarketed for Biofortik.1.3 Increased marketing capacity for smallproducers.Number of marketing agreements withintermediaries.For this project, a baseline of the proposed indicators, a post-distributionfollow-up and a final baseline will be carried out to assess compliance withproject results. Additionally, a final evaluation will be carried out to determinethe effects generated by the project on the target population, as well as therelevance of the actions implemented throughout the PASE process, which willinform the development of the sustainability plan for the Biofortik plant andthe operating model articulated between MINEDUCYT, MAG and WFP. Theresults framework of the intervention is described below:4. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning PlanProject SustainabilityThe Ministry of Education’s commitment to operating the plant efficientlyensures Biofortik’s sustainability, supported by the WFP’s gradual technicalassistance for an exit strategy. In addition, the proposed Healthy andSustainable School Feeding Law aims to secure governance and increase theprogram’s impact. Section 048For photos of children enjoying nourishing meals, clickhere.For photos of mothers preparing nutritious snacks with Biofortik, click here.

Output/ProductIndicator Outcome/Result 2: Strengthen the installedcapacity of the Biofortik plant with investmentsin infrastructure, machinery, safety, personneltraining and process improvements (e.g.,safety).% increase in plant production capacity.% increase in compliance with qualitystandards and certifications required for theplant.2.1 Increased coverage of biofortified beveragedelivery.Number of Biofortik rations produced.Amount delivered to schools.2.2 Technical capabilities of the plant’s humanresources improved and efficiently applied inthe processes.Number of technical assistance activities andpeople trained.Quality and safety certifications.2.3 Improvement of machinery andinfrastructure of the Biofortik plant.Number of new equipment added to the plant.Number of physical spaces improved and/ormodified for Biofortik processing.Outcome/Result 3: Improve the acceptance ofthe Biofortik beverage and healthy eatinghabits in schools through a strategy of foodeducation and behavior change.% increase in the rate of acceptance of thebeverage by the educational community.Number and frequency of new healthy eatinghabits practiced by the educationalcommunity.3.1 Nutrition and food safety campaigndesigned and implemented for the educationalcommunity (teachers, parents, students andcommunity).Food education activities carried out.Number of beneficiaries (training, workshops,etc.).5. BudgetWFP has raised complementary funds from different sources over the pastthree years to enhance the quality and reach of this project. Support has comemainly from South-South cooperation, joint efforts with the private sector andother internal United Nations funds. This proposal seeks to contribute to thiseffort in its key components, generating synergies between the differentactors involved: government, private sector, agricultural sector, educationalcommunity, national and international agencies, and civil society organizations.The total project cost is $2,200,000.00.Section 04 & 059

10Section 05

The funds you generously contribute to Food For The Poor willbe used toward completion of your project of choice. If any ofyour donation exceeds budget cost, rest assured that it will beused to fund other Food For The Poor programs andorganizational support to meet the urgent needs of the poor.Contributions are tax-deductible under Internal Revenue CodeSection 501(c)(3).Indirect Costs – Corporate, Network & Field OperationIn-Country Project Management Expenses$0.00Food For The Poor Fulfillment, ProjectManagement and Monitoring Expenses$200,000.00Total Indirect Costs$200,000.00TOTAL PROJECT COSTS$2,200,000.00Section 0511