School meal programs can be powerful engines for job creation and local economic development. Many models intentionally prioritize employment for groups that face systemic barriers to entering the labor market, such as women, youth and people with disabilities. Yet despite their potential, there remains a significant evidence gap around how different program designs impact employment outcomes. Understanding these dynamics is essential to unlocking the full socio-economic value of school meals.

This webinar will explore a randomized controlled trial (RCT) focused on women’s employment in Jordan’s school meal program, a country that has one of the lowest rates of women’s labour force participation in the world and significant unmet demand for formal employment among women. The webinar will also feature government-led examples from other contexts, further highlighting how school meal initiatives can create meaningful employment for groups facing persistent barriers to the labor market.

Moderator Welcome and Overview

• Aulo Gelli, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI

Women’s Employment in Jordan: Preferences and Opportunities through the National School Feeding Programme

• Simone Lombardini, Evaluation Officer, World Food Programme (WFP)

Botswana’s efforts to create income opportunities through its school meal program

• Vanity Mafule, Assistant Director Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Government of Botswana

Closing Remarks

• Aulo Gelli, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI