Finland and UNDP Boost Clean Energy and Home-Grown School Meals in Nepal

EUR 619,986 funding to scale climate-resilient agriculture and nutritious meals for 30,000 students across Bajura, Surkhet, and Baitadi

Kathmandu – In a major step toward promoting clean energy, strengthening local food systems, and improving child nutrition in Nepal, the Government of Finland and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed an agreement to provide additional funding of EUR 619,986 (approximately NPR 103.79 million) to scale up the Renewable Energy for Resilient Agri-Food Systems (RERAS) project. The project, funded by the Government of Norway, is implemented in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP).

The new funding will expand Home-Grown School Feeding under the Government of Nepal’s Mid-Day School Meals Programme to 427 schools across 10 municipalities in Bajura, Surkhet, and Baitadi districts. The initiative aims to enhance local crop productivity, improve market access, and promote the productive use of clean energy.

The agreement was signed by H.E. Petri Puhakka, Ambassador of Finland to Nepal, and Ms. Kyoko Yokosuka, UNDP Nepal Resident Representative.

“Finland has established a free, nutritious, and equitable school meal model that ensures all students have access to healthy food. Building on this commitment, we are extending support to UNDP and working closely with WFP,” said Ambassador Puhakka. “This initiative reflects strong Nordic cooperation to advance climate-resilient development in Nepal, combining Norway’s RERAS project and Finland’s Local Adaptation to Climate Change (LACC) project. Through these actions, Finland reaffirms its dedication to sustainable, inclusive livelihoods.”

The project will scale up climate-resilient agriculture practices to ensure 30,000 students receive nutritious, locally sourced midday meals daily. It will enhance access to clean energy for meal preparation by constructing or rehabilitating 10 climate-smart school kitchens, introducing Metallic Improved Cooking Stoves (MICS) in 40 schools, and Electric Induction Cooking Stoves (EICS) in 10 schools.

The funding will also strengthen local food systems by linking cooperatives and farmers’ groups to schools, creating reliable markets for climate-resilient agriculture and nutritious meals for children.

“This partnership strengthens school nutrition, connects farmers and cooperatives to schools, and promotes clean energy solutions for cooking,” said Ms. Yokosuka. “By delivering healthy meals and empowering communities, UNDP remains committed to scaling inclusive and sustainable solutions with the Government of Nepal, Norway, Finland, WFP, and local partners.”

Riaz Lodhi, WFP Representative and Country Director, added:

“Home-grown school meals are more than a nutrition intervention—they are a catalyst for systemic change. They ensure children receive nutritious meals daily while driving inclusive economic growth and strengthening food systems long-term. We commend the Government of Nepal for championing this programme and its plan to scale it nationwide.”

Since its launch in July 2023, the RERAS project has supported local governments in Karnali, Sudur Paschim, and Bagmati Provinces to improve food and nutrition security. By leveraging reliable and affordable renewable energy for production, irrigation, processing, storage, packaging, and marketing of local farm products, the project has benefited 10,000 households and improved clean energy access for over 150,000 people, contributing to UNDP’s global strategy to address multidimensional poverty.