School Feeding Program and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Education: Linking Food Security to Learning Outcomes in Timor-Leste

School Feeding Programs (SFPs) have gained policy relevance in Timor-Leste due to their potential to address educational inequality and student underperformance. This study critically reviews 30 peer-reviewed publications and institutional reports from 2018 to 2024 to evaluate the educational impacts of SFPs. Findings indicate that SFPs significantly improve school enrolment, attendance, and student motivation, particularly in low-income communities. However, improvements in academic performance, such as literacy and numeracy, are inconsistent and largely influenced by contextual variables, including teacher quality and school infrastructure. The review suggests that SFPs are most effective when integrated with broader education reforms such as teacher training and curriculum enhancement. The results support evidence-based policymaking to improve the design and effectiveness of school feeding initiatives, aligning them with the goals of inclusive and equitable quality education (SDG 4). This article highlights the necessity of complementary strategies to maximize the educational benefits of SFPs in Timor-Leste.