(Nairobi) – Mastercard, in partnership with the Food4Education Foundation and Glovo, is helping to combat child hunger and improve education by providing over 300,000 meals to schoolchildren in underserved areas of Kenya and Nigeria. The initiative, launched in February 2024, links everyday transactions with social good, offering a solution to hunger while promoting educational success for the next generation.
Mastercard’s campaign, called “A Meal for Every Transaction,” allows customers in Kenya and Nigeria to contribute to the cause simply by making a purchase on the Glovo app using a Mastercard. For every transaction, a meal is donated to a child in need, helping to address the severe hunger issues affecting children’s ability to learn. This collaboration aims to reduce hunger while encouraging greater educational outcomes by providing nutritious meals that enable children to focus in school.
In Kenya, nearly 30% of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition, and food insecurity remains a significant barrier to education. Hunger not only affects a child’s physical health but also their ability to concentrate, learn, and attend school regularly. School feeding programs have been proven to improve educational outcomes, increase school attendance, and reduce dropout rates in areas where food insecurity is prevalent. Mastercard’s initiative is tackling these challenges head-on by ensuring that children have access to the food they need to thrive academically.
Mastercard’s Senior Vice President for East Africa, Shehryar Ali, emphasized that the company’s mission is to combine business with social responsibility. “At Mastercard, ‘doing well by doing good’ is a core principle that guides our efforts,” said Ali. “This initiative enables students to focus on their education without the distraction of an empty stomach, empowering the next generation to reach their full potential.”
The collaboration also extends beyond financial support. Glovo, the multi-category app that connects consumers with food, groceries, and retail services, has played an integral role in reaching communities in need. Diego Nouet, General Manager for Glovo Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the power of collaboration in driving change. “Working with Mastercard allowed us to extend our impact beyond convenience and into communities in need, ensuring that every meal delivered brought hope to a child’s future,” Nouet said.
For Food4Education, the partnership is an opportunity to scale their operations and reach more children across Kenya. Founded in 2012, Food4Education has already provided over 15 million school meals to more than 100,000 children. With the support of Mastercard and Glovo, the foundation aims to feed one million children daily by 2027, ensuring that no child has to choose between hunger and education. Wawira Njiru, Founder of Food4Education, explained the importance of this initiative: “Our collaboration with Mastercard allows us to provide the meals these children need to stay in school and succeed.”
The initiative has had a profound impact on local communities. According to research by the World Food Programme, school meals have been shown to increase enrollment rates by 9% and improve attendance by up to 8%. Proper nutrition not only ensures children’s immediate well-being but also supports long-term educational outcomes, empowering them to contribute to their communities as they grow.
Mastercard cardholders are key to this transformation. Every time a transaction is made on the Glovo app, users are actively participating in this cause, turning everyday purchases into opportunities to support education and fight hunger. This integration of social good into consumer experiences creates a seamless way for individuals to contribute to a cause that can make a lasting difference in the lives of thousands of children.
Mastercard employees are also contributing to the initiative, volunteering their time to serve meals and engage with communities, further amplifying the positive impact. As Ali put it, “Corporate responsibility is more than just writing checks; it’s about being there on the ground, understanding the challenges, and working hand-in-hand with the communities we serve to drive sustainable change.”
This collaboration between Mastercard, Food4Education, and Glovo is not just about providing immediate relief; it is about laying the foundation for long-term progress. Hellen Mubea, Head Teacher at HGM Ting’ang’a Primary School in Kenya, noted the importance of the initiative: “Mastercard’s initiative with Glovo and Food4Education transforms everyday payments into meals for children, bridging the gap between hunger and education, and paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future for Kenya’s next generation.”