In a significant boost to child nutrition and sustainable agriculture, the Government of Finland has injected a substantial EUR 500,000 into Zambia’s national school meals programme. The one-year initiative, warmly welcomed by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), is set to nourish over 34,000 young learners across thirty-three schools while fostering climate-smart farming practices.
Finland, a steadfast global advocate for school meals and a co-chair of the influential School Meals Coalition, has a long history of supporting WFP’s efforts in this crucial area. Their latest contribution underscores their unwavering commitment to ensuring children receive the vital nutrition they need to thrive.
The Finnish funding will enable the WFP, in close collaboration with Zambia’s Ministries of Education and Agriculture, to procure a hefty ninety-eight metric tonnes of beans. This nutritious addition will complement the cereals already provided by the Zambian government, creating more balanced and wholesome meals for schoolchildren.
Crucially, the initiative will forge a direct link between the demand for nutritious food in school canteens and the supply from local smallholder farmers. This innovative approach not only guarantees a stable market for their produce but also injects vitality into local agricultural economies. Furthermore, the establishment of irrigated school gardens promises to enhance the variety and nutritional quality of the meals served.
“Finland and Zambia share a bond of warm and enduring friendship,” remarked Saana Halinen, the Finnish Ambassador to Zambia. “Investing in school meals is investing in the very future of Zambia, and I am truly delighted that Finland’s support will complement the government’s commendable efforts to expand this vital programme. Prioritising resources for child nutrition is unequivocally the most impactful investment any nation can undertake.”
Beyond immediate nutritional support, the initiative has a strong focus on long-term sustainability and resilience. Participating schools will be equipped with energy-efficient stoves and essential handwashing stations. Moreover, teachers, pupils, and the wider communities will benefit from comprehensive training programmes focusing on sustainable agriculture, nutrition education, and crucial hygiene practices.
Cissy Kabasuuga, the WFP Country Representative in Zambia, expressed profound gratitude for Finland’s timely support. “This generous contribution arrives at a critical juncture for Zambia as we navigate the aftermath of last year’s devastating drought, working hand-in-hand with the Ministries of Education and Agriculture,” she stated. “This funding will not only address the immediate nutritional needs of thousands of learners but will also lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient food system for generations to come.”
This initiative aligns perfectly with the comprehensive five-year strategic plan launched by the WFP and the Zambian government in 2023. This ambitious plan aims to eradicate hunger, improve nutritional outcomes, and bolster the resilience of vulnerable communities against future food crises, ultimately empowering national institutions to lead the charge and reduce the reliance on humanitarian interventions. Finland’s latest contribution is a powerful testament to the global commitment required to achieve these vital goals.
