The mid-day meal program, which has been running in community schools of the district through the Government of Nepal and the World Food Programme with the support of the U.S. government, has been suspended causing negative impacts on children and farmers. In 499 community schools of the district, more than 51,000 students up to grade 5 regularly received nutritious mid-day meals. The children’s nutrition, health, and learning abilities are directly affected with the program’s suspension. According to Jagadish Rokaya, Chairperson of the management committee of Tribhuwan Primary School in Thalara Rural Municipality, children now have to stay hungry during school hours. He stated that the program had been a significant relief for thousands of families with weak economic conditions. He also noted that the mid-day meal not only provided nutrition but also increases children’s interest in studying and improved student attendance. According to Chandradevi Bohara, a 60-year-old farmer from Thalara Rural Municipality-4, this program, based on local production, ensured a stable market for farmers. Vegetables and lentils were supplied daily to schools through cooperatives, and payments were directly deposited into the farmers’ bank accounts. She said, “I used to earn up to Rs 12,000 per month, but now I worry about whom to sell my products. This program was the backbone for farmers like us.”
The program enhanced farmers’ capacities, provided them with access to financial resources, and reduced market uncertainties by offering stable prices. Currently, a decision has been made to shift the program to a ‘cash transfer model.’ Although schools are supposed to receive direct payments under this model, the absence of implementing organizations is causing difficulties among local authorities. Shivaraj Upadhyaya, Project Coordinator of Bahu Udeshiya Bikash Samaj, Bajhang, stated, “Although the program has shifted to a cash model, it will be more effective if the municipality continues to prioritize local production and farmers as before. However, it is essential for the local government to pay attention to this.”
Ramesh KC, member of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists, Sudurpaschim Province, stated that it is unfortunate the program was suspended when kitchens had already been constructed in schools, cooperatives had started purchasing local lentils, and farmers had planned their cultivation accordingly. He added that, as per government policy, the continuation of this program now depends decisively on the role of local authorities. DB Bista, Chairperson of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists, Bajhang, stated that the mid-day meal program is not just about providing meals but is a strong chain that links education, nutrition, agriculture, and the local economy. Therefore, he emphasized the need for local governments to pay attention to it. Parents, farmers, teachers, and organizations have been calling for the resumption of the mid-day meal program and are actively advocating for its reinstatement.