Thai students to benefit from 2.9 billion baht free lunch programme

The Education Ministry is set to ensure that students nationwide receive nutritious meals as part of next year’s free lunch programme. Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob has highlighted the initiative’s focus on providing children with a balanced diet, crucial for their academic and personal development.

The upcoming programme will target underprivileged children in rural areas, expanding upon this year’s efforts, which centred on primary schools.

Recent ministry surveys have revealed that many lower secondary school students suffer from inadequate nutrition, posing significant health risks that could hinder their growth and learning capabilities, said Permpoon.

“It is important for children to have a healthy and balanced diet so they can get all the nutrients and energy they need to grow and learn and develop.”

To address this issue, the ministry will collaborate with the Department of Local Administration. Together, they will oversee the allocation of a 2.9 billion baht (US$83.2 million) budget, approved by the Cabinet in late March, designated for free school lunches. This funding will support approximately 575,000 students from Mathayom 1 to 3 levels across more than 7,300 schools nationwide.

These schools are part of a ministry project aimed at enhancing educational access for underprivileged children.

Challenges such as shortages of qualified teachers and issues with the quality and quantity of lunch provisions have been identified, particularly in schools catering to these communities.

The schools involved include 6,855 under the supervision of the Office of the Basic Education Commission, 376 managed by the Department of Local Administration, 109 overseen by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and four under the Border Patrol Police. The budget allocation, which took effect from the start of the 2025 fiscal year on October 1, coincides with the second semester of the current academic year.

Funding for the lunch programme varies depending on student numbers. For schools with 40 students or fewer, the allocation is set at 36 baht (US41) per student each day, reported Bangkok Post.

“The programme for Mathayom one to three students marks another important step in efforts to look after the health of students nationwide. The ministry has assured that it will follow up on the programme constantly to ensure Thai children will grow up to be healthy and strong,” Permpoon assured.