Nepal, Oct. 13 -- Nepal's government-sponsored day meal program at schools aims to improve children's nutrition, boost attendance and keep students in school. But despite increased government investment, community schools say the daily allowance of Rs 20 per student remains insufficient to provide nutritious, balanced meals consistently.

The government has allocated Rs 9.537 billion for the program in fiscal year 2026/27 to provide day meals at schools to around 2.8 million children from early childhood development (ECD) to Grade 5. Funds are distributed to schools through local governments.

However, school administrators say rising food prices, staff shortages and inadequate facilities have made it difficult to meet nutritional goals....