A school-based supplementary food programme in rural Kenya did not reduce children's intake at home

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo examine changes in energy intake along with markers of dietary quality (animal-source energy and protein intakes) among household members in the presence of supplementary school feeding in rural Kenya.DesignA 2-year, longitudinal, randomized controlled feeding intervention study.SettingKyeni South Division, Embu District, Kenya.SubjectsA total of 182 schoolchildren and selected household members.ResultsThere was no evidence that schoolchildren who received supplementary snacks at school experienced reduced intakes at home or that intakes by other family members were increased at the expense of the schoolchild's intake.ConclusionsThis analysis highlights a number of factors useful in planning for supplementary feeding interventions in rural Kenya and similar communities.