By BEN BILUA
GIZO

MORE than 2,875 children and 156 teachers across nine schools in Western and Isabel Provinces will benefit from a new school meals initiative funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNICEF in partnership with Solomon Islands government.

Launched under the title “Nutrition Improvement through School Meals”, the three-year pilot project represents a US$3.4 million investment aimed at tackling malnutrition, improving school environments, and strengthening local food systems.

Speaking during a recent visit to schools in Western Province, Benjamin Grubb, UNICEF Pacific’s Chief of the Solomon Islands Field Office, said the project was designed not just to address children’s immediate nutritional needs but to build a long-term foundation for a healthier and more food-secure nation.

“We are creating direct partnerships between your schools and local farmers in surrounding communities.

“This means establishing short food supply chains where local producers will supply fresh, nutritious ingredients directly to your school kitchens,” he said.

Grubb said the project has four major focus areas including; building sustainable local food systems, developing nutritional capacity and knowledge, creating safe and hygienic school environments, and establishing a national framework that can be scaled across the country.

He said participating schools will receive essential farming tools and agricultural support to strengthen ties with local producers.

Grubb adds that kitchen facilities and food storage systems will be upgraded, while teachers and staff will be trained in food safety and nutrition education.

“You’ll learn practical skills that will serve you throughout your lives,” he told students.

Grubb also said that the project will support better water supply and sanitation infrastructure, ensuring meal preparation occurs in clean and safe environments.

“Access to clean water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene practices are fundamental to healthy eating and learning,” he said.

Grubb said agriculture experts will assist schools in developing waste management systems that promote reuse in farming; contributing to both sustainability and education.

He said the goal is to create a successful model that can be replicated throughout Solomon Islands, providing lasting impact for schools and communities beyond the pilot phase.

“What we’re doing here is more than just providing school meals; we’re building a model that can help schools across Solomon Islands,” Grubb said.

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