Lions Clubs International Foundation and World Food Program USA Strengthen Sri Lanka’s School Meal Programme

Colombo – The Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), in collaboration with World Food Program USA, has extended significant support to Sri Lanka’s national school meal programme through a US$1 million contribution. The funding strengthens the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Sri Lanka’s Home Grown School Feeding initiative and rice fortification efforts.

This support ensures that 100,000 schoolchildren receive rice fortified with iron and folic acid, improving their nutritional intake. In parallel, 2,700 smallholder farmers are being equipped with agricultural tools and poultry farming training, empowering them to sustainably supply fresh food to schools.

The Home Grown School Feeding Programme, launched in 2020, links local farmers with the national school meal system. This approach guarantees farmers a steady income while providing schools with consistent access to fresh, local ingredients. The programme enhances child nutrition, strengthens local economies, and supports food system resilience.

WFP has been working with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Health for over two decades to improve child nutrition and reduce malnutrition across the country. The new partnership with LCIF and World Food Program USA expands these efforts, bringing added value to thousands of families relying on school meals as a vital source of nutrition.