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The power of a meal. School feeding and its educational effects: Evidence from Colombia

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Listed:
  • Sof√≠a Collante Z√°rate

    (Universidad de los Andes)

  • Catherine Rodr√≠guez Orgales

    (Universidad de los Andes)

  • Fabio Sanchez Torres

    (Universidad de los Andes)

Abstract

Does a meal make a difference in the educational process? This article presents the results of the evaluation of Colombia’s School Feeding Program (PAE) on educational outcomes. The estimates exploit that the program’s rollout varies over time across municipalities, schools, and grades between the same school. The analysis uses information from seven years of the universe of students attending public schools and the census information of the students enrolled in higher education. Compared to grades without PAE, we find that the dropout rate of grades with PAE is between 10% and 25% lower, and grade repetition is between 7% and 13% lower. We also find that the PAE increases high school completion rates by 39%, improves educational achievement measured with the Saber 11 test by 0.1 standard deviations, and elevates access to higher education by 20%. The program is perceived as an incentive for students to attend school and a mechanism for improving the learning process, resulting in higher human capital.

Suggested Citation

  • Sof√≠a Collante Z√°rate & Catherine Rodr√≠guez Orgales & Fabio Sanchez Torres, 2024. "The power of a meal. School feeding and its educational effects: Evidence from Colombia," Documentos CEDE 21155, Universidad de los Andes, Facultad de Economía, CEDE.
    • Handle: RePEc:col:000089:021155
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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