Globally, school feeding programs provide meals to millions of children, helping to promote school attendance and improve academic performance. Studies show that children who receive nutritious meals at school are more likely to stay in school and perform better in their studies.

On Thursday, November 21st, the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, in partnership with AELEX Partners, reached out to schoolchildren in the Agege and Dopemu communities through the Education Enhancement Intervention for Food-insecure Students (EDUFOOD). The initiative provided nutritious, protein-rich meals to 1,000 schoolchildren, supporting their learning, growth, and development.

Marking their 20th anniversary in remarkable fashion, over 40 AELEX Partners team members, including Founding Partner, Mr. Theophilus Emuwa, were present for the impactful event. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by the food bank team and volunteers. The day began with a tour of the food bank facility to sensitize the partner organization with the food bank’s operations, after which they actively participated in packaging the meals, stressing their hands-on commitment.

In his speech to attendees of the program, Mr. Theophilus Emuwa commended the food bank’s efforts, emphasizing that giving back goes beyond providing resources—it’s about human connection, creating moments of joy, and investing in people’s future. He reflected on the unforgettable sight of children’s faces lighting up as they received their meals, noting that this wasn’t just about fulfilling a corporate social responsibility; it was about being a responsible community member.

The Executive Director of the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, Dr. Michael Sunbola, expressed deep gratitude for the partnership and commended AELEX Partner’s active participation. “The meals for the children did more than fill their stomachs—they brought joy beyond the classroom,” he stated. Some of the school teachers shared their excitement, noting that the school feeding program would positively impact the children’s ability to concentrate in class.

Beyond just providing school meals, this partnership demonstrated that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, giving families a reason to keep their children in school, and offering hope for a brighter future.