Objective

The School Feeding Program (PAE, by its initials in Spanish) in Colombia provides a food supplement for children and adolescents enrolled in the public educational system; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, its delivery modality had to be modified. The purpose of this study was to describe the strategies of the CEDID Ciudad Bolívar School to implement the PAE during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Methodological design based on semi-structured interviews with teachers, students and parents of families belonging to this school. The information was analyzed according to a set of previously established categories.

Results

The participants agree that the transfer of parents due to loss of employment and not having technological devices influences school dropout. On the other hand, the school took advantage of the transitory modality of the PAE, delivering bonds redeemable by market; however, they affirm that not all were able to access it, due to ignorance of the process. It is highlighted by the participants that it is a food aid, it is economic, and that it manages to benefit the whole family, but the high cost of food, the shortage of supplies, and the difficulties when it comes to redeeming it are evident.

Conclusions

Despite the pandemic, the institution has made efforts to adapt the PAE to epidemiological circumstances, in order to face the risk of school dropout and guarantee the food supplement for students, being valued by them and their families.