Methodology

SVSI implements the Healthy School Lunch Programme in close partnership with local governments, schools, School Management Committees (SMCs), parents, and community members. In collaboration with a food expert from the Netherlands, SVSI has developed a nutritious school lunch menu to ensure children receive balanced and healthy meals.

Based on this menu, the Government of Nepal provides a school lunch budget for students up to Grade 5. To maintain the recommended nutritional standards, SVSI contributes additional funding for these students and fully covers the cost of school meals for students above Grade 5. Meals are prepared daily at each school using fresh, locally available ingredients, with a strong emphasis on nutrition, food safety, and hygiene. Regular monitoring, menu planning, and close coordination with school authorities help ensure consistent food quality and the effective implementation of the programme throughout the academic year.

Achievement

The Healthy School Lunch Programme currently reaches 1,503 students across 10 government schools, including 1,007 students in 8 schools of Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality and 496 students in 2 schools of Ratnanagar Municipality. The programme has contributed to improved student attendance, better classroom concentration, enhanced nutritional status, and increased academic performance. By ensuring that students from Grade 6 and above continue to receive healthy meals through SVSI's support, the initiative helps reduce school dropout rates and creates equal learning opportunities for children from disadvantaged communities while strengthening collaboration between schools, local governments, and local communities.