ABSTRACT:

The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of food provision program on pupils learning achievement in early childhood education. The study used explorative research design for data analysis, and interpretation. The study was conducted in Temeke municipality in Dar es Salaam region. Targeted population of this study was parents, head teachers, teachers, and ward executive officers. The study sample size comprised 35 teachers, 25 parents, 6 head teachers and 4 ward executive officers. Simple random sampling, purposive sampling and snowball sampling were employed to select sample of the study. Observation checklist, interview guide and questionnaire were used to collect data. Thematic analysis and descriptive analysis were used to analyze qualitative and quantitative data. The findings indicated that pupils in early childhood classes are fed with morning porridge. Only porridge is provided to pre-primary children. Moreover, `it was disclosed that 82.9% of teachers agreed that there is good rapport with parents in implementing school feeding program. The findings shows that availability of breakfast for children in pre-schools promote school attendance. It was indicated that breakfast has positive effect on cognitive function of the children in pre-primary schools. The main challenges that face the program in early childhood schools were poor coordination between school administration, teachers and parents, limited funding and limited supportive infrastructure such as such as dining halls, store rooms and kitchen. The study recommended, the school committee should establish clear strategic plan on how the SFP will be implemented, monitored, and evaluated. Government also should add more financial support to primary schools that implement SFP so that every kindergarten child should be fed with nutritious food.