unaffordable for most households, the United Nations is supporting efforts to broaden the benefits of development. At Cossamar Primary School in Same, 500 students now receive school meals that include more protein and vegetables, improving both nutrition and classroom alertness. Similarly, at Betano Primary School on the southern coast, students benefit from balanced meals that enhance their ability to focus on learning. Many families cannot afford breakfast or nutritionally adequate meals, highlighting the critical role of school feeding programs in addressing food insecurity.
In Timor-Leste, 18 per cent of the population experiences daily hunger, and 45 per cent of children under five are stunted. Improving child nutrition is a top government priority and a cornerstone of the upcoming United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2026-2030. The UN-supported school feeding program currently serves over 70,000 children nationwide while also strengthening government capacity in nutrition to ensure long-term sustainability. The program has been decentralized to municipalities, promoting local ownership and encouraging the use of home-grown produce, though challenges remain in diversifying diets and ensuring consistent access to local foods.
To address these challenges, the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) collaborate with national and local authorities to improve menus and supply chains, upgrade kitchen infrastructure, and train school staff in nutrition and hygiene. At Same school, students recently enjoyed deer stew with vegetables and brown rice served on government-provided trays, while Betano students had chicken satay with spinach, rice, and beans. The WFP and FAO support includes guidance on balanced meal planning, kitchen equipment provision, and training on budget management and food hygiene. Approximately 75 per cent of the meals use locally sourced produce, with daily costs per child increasing to 35 US cents, enabling more nutritious meals and improved hygiene standards.
The initiative also provides steady income for local farmers. In Betano, farmers supplying the schools benefit from stable demand for crops like tomatoes, watermelon, sweet potatoes, and bananas, allowing them to focus on farm improvements and family time. FAO programs on conservation agriculture have helped around 9,000 households diversify into higher-value crops, use compost instead of fertilizer, and reduce environmental impact. Farmers also received small mills for flour production and trailers to transport produce, increasing efficiency and reducing waste.
The coordinated efforts of FAO and WFP illustrate a unified UN approach to supporting the government, maximizing the impact and sustainability of projects. United Nations Resident Coordinator Funmi Balogun Alexander highlighted the program as a model of collaborative action, emphasizing that the upcoming UN Cooperation Framework for Timor-Leste will continue to build on such integrated approaches to link nutrition, education, and local economic development for long-term benefits.
