WFP and Lions Announce $1 Million Partnership for Nepal School Meal Program
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Lions Clubs International Foundation have announced a strategic partnership to increase the quantity of midday meals in schools across Nepal. The partnership has been announced as a model program to improve children’s nutrition, support learning outcomes, and strengthen local food systems.
The program, to be implemented with support of one million US dollars, is expected to benefit around 70,000 children. WFP stated that the partnership will develop interconnections among schools, small farmers, and government systems.
Speaking at the announcement program, Chudamani Paudel, Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Sports, said that school-produced midday meals play an important role in improving student attendance and learning outcomes. He said the continued implementation of this partnership would strengthen sustainability and help the midday meal program develop into a more sustainable and locally operated system by contributing to national development priorities.
Similarly, WFP Country Director Riaz Lodhi said the partnership would have an immediate impact on producing fresh, nutritious, and local food for community schools.
Lions Clubs International Foundation President Fabricio Oliveira said the partnership would empower local farmers, schools, and communities while ensuring that children receive nutritious school meals.
School News Education News