ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳

The programme currently reaches 190,000 children across 686 schools. The renewed support from South Korea builds on the achievements of Phase I (2020¡ª2024) and will enable MoEYS and ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳to provide hot, nutritious meals to 133,300 schoolchildren across 428 schools. These schools will be progressively integrated into the national programme with full government ownership and management expected by 2028. 

¡°The Ministry is deeply grateful for the continued support from the Government of the Republic of Korea, KOICA, and WFP,¡± said H.E. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport. ¡°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.¡± 

The Royal Government of Cambodia has shown strong leadership and commitment to school meals. In August 2024, it approved the School Feeding Policy, a landmark step that formalized 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 Pentagonal Strategy¡ªbuilding 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 Republic 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.¡±

The national school feeding programme adopts a home-grown approach, linking education and nutrition with local agriculture by sourcing food from smallholder farmers. In a country where over half of the population relies on agriculture, this approach stimulates local economies, strengthens food systems and serves as a safety net for vulnerable families affected by recurrent shocks.

¡°ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳is proud to continue supporting Cambodia¡¯s journey towards a nationally owned, sustainable school feeding programme,¡± said Claire Conan, ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Representative in Cambodia. ¡°The renewed partnership with KOICA and MoEYS is a powerful example of how partnership can improve children's well-being, enhance learning, and build more resilient communities.¡±

In addition to meal provision, the programme focuses on capacity strengthening, infrastructure upgrades and institutional development at national, sub-national, and school levels. These efforts are designed to enable MoEYS to take ownership, while ensuring the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of the programme. 

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The United Nations ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ is the world¡¯s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies, building prosperity and supporting a sustainable future for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.