PHNOM PENH: The Royal Government of Cambodia has issued a sub-decree to implement a public school feeding program, using existing agricultural products in the community, supplied under the national social protection policy framework.

According to Article 3 of the sub-decree, dated Monday, 13 March 2023, not all public schools across the country will be under this feeding program, rather the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports will select and determine the eligible schools. The same article outlines that community agricultural products for school supplies include rice, fish, meat, eggs, milk, vegetables, fruits, grains, and micronutrient-rich foods.

The Royal Government urges the relevant ministries and institutions to jointly implement this program effectively. The government has recommended the establishment of a committee to lead and manage the implementation of this program. The committee may have the right to appoint relevant officials to inspect and observe program effectiveness.

The Royal Government is preparing a budget of more than US $4 million to implement the feeding program in public schools in 2023.

In the past, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports implemented a program to provide food to public schools, using the state budget, in five targets: Pursat, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Thom, Oddar Meanchey and some districts in Siem Reap. The Royal Government also urged the Ministry of Education to expand the implementation of this program from 205 to 290 schools in nine target provinces.