The project has a broader significance at two dimensions, namely:

1. For the WFP Armenia Country Office:

• The results of the impact evaluation will help WFP to have targeted and results-based planning in its Country Strategic Plan 2019-2023;
• The impact evaluation will promote strengthening of the design and implementation of the National School Feeding Program: WFP will support the efforts of the Government of Armenia in reaching the targets set forth under the Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 17.

2. For the WFP Regional Bureau, the given evaluation will offer approaches that can be used in similar (small) countries in the region in aligning to the new school feeding policy.
Graduates and members of the Personality Psychology Department of the Faculty of Philosophy and Psychology of the Yerevan State University are intensively involved in this research.

Research Design

This survey has two rounds of assessments to be conducted – Round 1 is envisaged for the fall of 2018 and Round 2 for the spring of 2019. The following activities are envisaged to carry out:

• Document current coverage of meals in 100 preschools in the target provinces as well as the current practices of 1100 parents in regard to providing meals prior to the school day.
• Evaluate the introduction of school snacks among 50 preschool children in schools of Lori, Gegharkunik, and Shirak through Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), and assess the potential role of school meals in preschools.
• Conduct a brief survey of school administrators of each school to assess the management and practical considerations of implementation.

For Round 1 and Round 2 assessments that will be conducted among 1,100 pre-school (Grade 0) and 1,100 Grade 1 students, the following methodical tests will be applied: Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence: WPPSI-IV; Bracken School Readiness Assessment; Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices; British Picture Vocabulary Scales and Verbal Fluency Tests.

• Database on nutrition-related weight, height and anemia status of preschool children
• Household Survey Questionnaire for parents on social-economic and other issues
• Brief Survey Questionnaire for school administrators on the management and practical considerations of implementation
• Report on Round 1 Data: tests results of  Grade 0 and 1 students; Household Survey results; School administrators survey results
• Report on Round 2 Data: Effects of Snack Provision on educational performance of beneficiary students