Empowering Communities Through School Feeding: Local Participation and Sustainable Nutrition in Timor-Leste

School Feeding Programs (SFPs) are not only nutritional interventions but also platforms for empowering local communities. In Timor-Leste, where food insecurity and child malnutrition are widespread, community engagement in SFP design and delivery is essential for sustainability and cultural relevance. This critical review of 30 studies from 2018 to 2024 explores the role of community service within school feeding initiatives, focusing on the involvement of parents, local farmers, women’s groups, and school management committees. The review highlights successes and barriers in achieving local ownership, identifies the economic and social impact of decentralized procurement, and offers strategic recommendations for enhancing community-led approaches. Findings suggest that meaningful participation increases program legitimacy, strengthens food systems, and reinforces national development goals. Integrating community-based mechanisms into SFPs is key to fostering food sovereignty, rural livelihoods, and shared responsibility for child welfare in Timor-Leste.