The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a contribution of US$3.5 million from the Government of Indonesia to support WFP's school feeding activities in Afghanistan. With this contribution, WFP will procure over 1,200 metric tons of fortified biscuits, which will cover school meals for 200,000 girls and boys in primary schools for three months.
"Indonesia believes that education and adequate nutrition are essential to children's wellbeing and development," said Rina Setyawati, Director for International Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia. "We stand in global solidarity, partnering with WFP to deliver essential food assistance. We believe our contributions help ensure that children in schools across Afghanistan receive the nourishment they need for a brighter future."
In Afghanistan, school feeding activities have played a key role in improving attendance, retention and learning outcomes. In 2024, primary schools participating in the programme saw enrolment increase by nearly 11 percent compared to 2023. Attendance also improved, reaching an average of 87 percent - two percent above WFP's target.
"WFP in Afghanistan launched its school feeding programme more than two decades ago to link food security and better nutrition with education," said Mutinta Chimuka, Deputy Country Director for WFP in Afghanistan. "For many children, the daily snack they receive in the first break of the day is often their only nutritious meal, giving them the energy to stay healthy, focused, and ready to learn."
In 2024, WFP supported 1.3 million schoolchildren through its school feeding activities across eight highly food insecure provinces in Afghanistan.
