U.S. Reaffirms Support for Nepal’s School Meals Program, Celebrates Progress in Child Nutrition
Kathmandu | July 29
The U.S. Embassy in Nepal has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to improving child nutrition and education by celebrating Nepal’s achievements under the School Meals Journey program, a national initiative that provides nutritious mid-day meals to schoolchildren.
U.S. Embassy Nepal Chargé d’Affaires Scott Urbom joined Rashu Aryal Dhungana, Ministry of Education and Sport Joint Secretary Mahendra Parajuli, Petri Puhakka, Dr. Uma Koirala, and other stakeholders to mark Nepal’s progress and growing ownership of the School Meals Journey program.
According to the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has supported Nepal’s school meal initiatives since 2005 through the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, helping improve nutrition, school attendance, and educational outcomes for thousands of Nepali children.
The Embassy emphasized that school meal programs are an investment in the entire community. By sourcing food locally for school lunches, the initiative creates sustainable opportunities for Nepali farmers and local entrepreneurs while ensuring children receive better nutrition to support their learning and overall development.
The program is being implemented in collaboration with the World Food Programme, reflecting continued international cooperation to strengthen Nepal’s education and child nutrition systems.
