Cambodia’s school meal initiative is evolving into a multi-sectoral engine for growth, linking classroom education with public health and local agricultural development, according to First Lady Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet.
During a high-level field visit to Prasat Cheang Tong Primary School in Kampong Chhnang province, Dr. Pich Chanmony underscored that the Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) programme – overseen by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport – extends far beyond basic social assistance.
“This is a multisectoral programme that bridges the gaps between education, nutrition, and agriculture,” Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony said. “By utilising community-sourced produce, we are not only nourishing our children but also stimulating local economic development and fostering community self-reliance.”
The First Lady was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Royal Palace, Samdech Mahamontrei Kuy Sophal, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron. The visit aimed to assess the implementation of the programme in regions historically prone to food insecurity and high poverty rates.
The initiative incentivises school attendance and improves cognitive outcomes by ensuring students receive nutritious meals. The First Lady noted that the programme encourages schools to maintain their own vegetable gardens, teaching students essential life skills and enhancing food safety at the grassroots level.
“We are building human capital,” she added. “When we prioritise the health of children in vulnerable areas, we create a more resilient foundation for the entire country.”
Minister of Education, Youth and Sport H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron highlighted the programme’s role in educational equity. Currently, the school feeding initiative reaches over 1,000 schools nationwide, benefitting more than 300,000 students.
“This programme is vital in reducing the learning gap between urban and rural students,” he said, noting that the initiative also serves as a preventative measure against non-communicable diseases by establishing healthy eating habits early in life.
At Prasat Cheang Tong Primary School, the impact of the programme is visible. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the school serves 293 students, including dozens from impoverished backgrounds who receive additional support through the National Social Assistance Programme.
Local data suggests a significant shift in educational trends. Before the introduction of school meals, the area suffered from high dropout rates between 2000 and 2011.
Since the programme’s implementation, enrollment has stabilised, providing a safety net for the 737 families in the surrounding farming community.
