the non-participants may be linked to food shortages in the area of study. ACC/SCN  reported similar observations that wasting is not as common as stunting and underweight among school-aged children in developing countries. Nevertheless, wasting rates can change rapidly in situations of acute food crisis, with school-aged children becoming severely malnourished in such situations .
The effect of the feeding programme is evident from the observation that the wasting prevalence was significantly higher among non-participants than participants. In fact, more than three times non-participants were wasted than participants. Nevertheless the association between the school lunch and weight-for-height was significant. This supports the hypothesis that the nutritional status of the participants is better than that of the non-participants as determined by weight-for-height.
This could be due to the significantly higher amounts of nutrients taken at lunch by participants as compared to the non-participants. This is true because children in both groups took an almost similar amount of nutrients at home during breakfast and supper. It may therefore suggest that the higher lunch calorie and protein intake placed the participants at a greater advantage nutritionally than the non-participants. This concurs with the FAO/WHO report  that SFP should be geared towards improving the nutritional status of school children.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The prevalence of malnutrition as determined by weight-for-age, height-for-age and weightfor-height was significantly higher among the non-participants than the participants. The school lunch provided more calories and proteins to participating children than that provided by the home lunch to non-participants. There was a significant association between the school lunch and nutritional status. The SLP in Emuhaya division, Vihiga District therefore plays a vital role in improving the nutritional status of participating children and thus should continue to be part of the school programme.
The government should extend the sponsored SFP to Vihiga District since this is an area that experiences food shortages almost throughout the year, affecting the nutritional status of school children. There may be need to establish whether improved socio-economic status can enhance greater participation of parents in the school lunch. Finally, all parents and schools in Vihiga District should be encouraged to venture into this programme of school lunch because of its positive outcome on nutritional status of school children.
The first author is grateful to Prof. Mary Walingo and Dr. Grace Mbagaya for their patience, valuable insights and devotion to this work. All primary school head teachers, pupils and their parents who participated in this study are appreciated. Above all, thanks to God Almighty for sufficient grace, strength, everlasting providence, sustenance and unfailing love.
© Copyright 2007 - Rural Outreach Program
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