The current national school feeding programme reaches 190,000 children across 686 schools. WFP
A new $10 million 2025-2029 initiative aims to accelerate the institutionalisation and expansion of Cambodia’s national homegrown school feeding programme.
The programme was launched by the government, through the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the UN World Food Programme (WFP).
The current national programme reaches 190,000 children across 686 schools. The renewed support from South Korea builds on the achievements of Phase I (2020—2024) and will enable the ministry and the WFP to provide hot, nutritious meals to 133,300 pre-primary and primary schoolchildren across 428 schools.
These schools will be progressively integrated into the national programme through a phased handover process, based on their readiness, with full government ownership and management expected by 2028.
“The ministry is deeply grateful for the continued support from the Government of South Korea, KOICA and WFP,” said Deputy Prime Minister Hang Chuon Naron, education minister, during the April 29 launch.
“Through this programme, we are not only improving access to nutritious food but also investing in Cambodia’s future by building a stronger, more resilient education system that supports our national development goals,” he added.
A $10 million dollar 2025-2029 school feeding programme was announced on April 29. WFP
Am April 29 WFP press release noted that in August 2024, the government approved the School Feeding Policy, a landmark step that formalised the programme’s role in contributing to education, nutrition, agriculture and social protection. This approach aligns closely with Cambodia’s broader human capital development agenda and the priorities of the seventh-mandate government’s Pentagonal Strategy — building a healthier, more educated and resilient generation.
“We are honoured to continue this important collaboration with the Royal Government of Cambodia and WFP,” said Moon Jung Choi, country director of KOICA Cambodia Office.
“This second phase of support reaffirms the Government of South Korea’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development for the Cambodian people by supporting national systems that deliver lasting improvements in education, nutrition and rural livelihoods,” she added.
According to the WFP, the programme adopts a home-grown approach, linking education and nutrition with local agriculture by sourcing food from smallholder farmers.
“In a country where 57 per cent of households rely on agriculture, this approach stimulates local economies, strengthens food systems and serves as a safety net for vulnerable families affected by recurrent shocks,” it explained.
Among those in attendance were education minister Hang Chuon Naron (right) and Moon Jung Choi, country director of KOICA Cambodia. WFP
In addition to the provision of meals, it also focuses on capacity strengthening, infrastructure upgrades and institutional development at national, sub-national, and school levels. These efforts are designed to enable the education ministry to gradually take full ownership, while ensuring the quality, efficiency and sustainability of the programme.
“WFP is proud to continue supporting Cambodia’s journey towards a nationally owned, sustainable school feeding programme,” said Claire Conan, WFP representative in Cambodia.
“The renewed partnership with KOICA and the education ministry is a powerful example of how collaboration can improve children's well-being, enhance learning, and build more resilient communities,” she added.
The launch of this new phase marks a deepening partnership between the ministry, KOICA and WFP to invest in Cambodia’s future — one school meal at a time.
