How a School Breakfast Program Is Changing Lives for Nomadic Kids in Khorasan, Iran

For an entire year, 1,380 ashayer (nomadic) children in South Khorasan will receive a nutritious meal through a School Breakfast Program. For most, this is the only meal they’ll get each day. Moms Against Poverty, along with generous sponsors, has made this possible, ensuring nutritional support for students in rural areas.

The nomadic tribes of Iran are the indigenous people of the country, dating back 8,000 – 10,000 years. These hardworking families lead a difficult lifestyle, often struggling with food insecurity. Providing meals for underprivileged children in Iran is a crucial step in addressing both hunger and education gaps.

Conditions are harsh, and malnutrition is common among children. This School Breakfast Program offers whole-grain bread, fruit, butter, halva, jam, milk, and cheese—foods that help combat education and hunger relief challenges. A school principal shared, “Some students had never seen packaged milk, cheese, or halva before!”

By ensuring a nutritious meal, the initiative boosts school attendance. Research shows that the impact of school breakfast on student performance is significant—well-fed students can focus better, retain information, and succeed academically. Along with backpacks filled with school supplies, these children now have both the food and tools they need to learn.

Providing breakfast encourages regular school attendance, directly affecting the future of these children. Nourished and educated students have the potential to contribute to their communities, breaking the cycle of poverty. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, this School Breakfast Program is making a real difference for nomadic families in Iran.

*Territories of Life, Report 2021