ADM Supports 184,000 Nutritious Meals for Students at Starehe Girls’ Centre

More than 200 girls at Starehe Girls’ Centre and School will receive three nutritious meals every day for an entire school year through a new initiative by ADM Cares, ADM’s corporate social investment program.

The program will provide more than 184,000 meals, helping ease financial pressures on the institution while supporting student wellbeing and academic performance. ADM in Kenya operates a state-of-the-art laboratory focused on innovation in beverage and food applications, as well as animal nutrition.

The company identified Starehe Girls’ for the support because it provides education and accommodation to some of Kenya’s most academically talented yet financially disadvantaged students. 70% of the school’s students are on 100 per cent sponsorship.

The initiative comes amid research consistently showing that access to balanced and nutritious school meals helps improve concentration, cognitive development and academic outcomes by reducing hunger-related distractions and providing essential nutrients.  Studies by the Center for Global Development have also linked regular nutritious meals to improved classroom participation and stronger performance in subjects such as mathematics and literacy.

“At ADM, we believe that access to good nutrition is fundamental to learning and growth. Supporting Starehe Girls Centre means investing in the future of these young women and the broader community,” said Herbert Pohle, VP Middle East and Africa – Animal Nutrition at ADM. “We’re proud to help ensure that every student can focus on her studies without worrying about her next meal.”

Sr. Jane Soita, Director, Starehe Girls Centre and School, said the support would have a lasting impact on the students.

“We are grateful to ADM for their generous support. This contribution will enable us to provide nutritious meals for our students throughout the year, ensuring they are well nourished and able to focus on their schoolwork. It is truly humbling to receive this kind of support, and we remain thankful to ADM for empowering our girls,” said Sr. Jane Soita, Director, Starehe Girls Secondary School.

Beyond the meal program, ADM will also facilitate job-shadowing opportunities for students to expose them to potential career paths, alongside a fishpond restoration project led by the company’s animal nutrition experts.

These initiatives are expected to provide students with practical, hands-on learning opportunities while revitalizing an important resource within the school.

Read Also: Kenya’s Deposit Administration Funds Deliver Stronger Returns