Nourishing the Future: Dr. Pich Chanmony Hunmanet Named Honorary Head of School Feeding Program

KAMPONG CHHNANG, February 25, 2026 — In a landmark event for rural education and health, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, joined Dr. Pich Chanmony Hunmanet to review the “School Feeding Program using Community Agriculture” at Prasat Cheang Tong Primary School.

The visit underscored a vital shift in strategy: moving toward a sustainable model where school meals are sourced directly from the “community garden” and local farmers, creating a circular economy that feeds both students and the rural spirit.

A Legacy of Support

The School Feeding Program, a cornerstone of Cambodian social policy since 1999, continues to thrive with international backing from the United States, Japan, and South Korea. It serves as a critical safety net for:

• Nutrition: Providing balanced breakfasts to improve physical growth.
• Enrollment: Incentivizing parents to send children to school regularly.
• Concentration: Ensuring students have the energy required for complex learning tasks.

Key Recommendations for 2026

During her visit to the school kitchen and food pantry, Dr. Pich Chanmony Hunmanet offered a strategic vision for the next phase of the program:

1. Healthy Environments: Reducing sugar, salt, and high-fat foods in all school meals.
2. Nutritional Literacy: Encouraging teachers to turn mealtime into a lesson, explaining the benefits of specific ingredients for growth.
3. Agriculture Linkage: Strengthening the bond between schools and community farmers to ensure a steady supply of fresh, organic produce.
4. Learning Connection: Viewing nutrition not just as “food,” but as a fundamental tool for cognitive development and classroom focus.

A New Chapter in Leadership

The highlight of the ceremony was the official appointment of Dr. Pich Chanmony Hunmanet as the “Honorary Head of the School Food Program.” This role recognizes her long-standing commitment to maternal and child health and marks a renewed push to expand these “Community-to-School” feeding models across all provinces in Cambodia.