Why NPR 20 is Not Enough to Feed Nepal’s Children

Nepal’s Mid-Day Meal program (Diwa Khaja Karyakram) boosts school attendance and child nutrition, returning $5.20 for every dollar spent. However, a critical funding gap—allocating only NPR 15–20 per child against actual meal costs of NPR 25–30—leaves schools struggling without proper kitchens or staff. To fix this, local governments are stepping in with budget top-ups, school gardens, and local farmer partnerships.

Dibya Gurung

Research Intern