The World Food Programme (WFP) wants to support the Surinamese government in the further implementation of the school feeding programme. Particular attention will be paid to the distribution of school meals in the interior and other hard-to-reach areas. The aim is to ensure that as many children as possible have daily access to a nutritious meal at school.
The possibilities for cooperation were discussed on Thursday, 12 November 2026, during a meeting between the presidential working group for the Schoolvoedingsprogramma and a WFP delegation from Barbados. The meeting took place at the Kabinet van de President (Office of the President).
According to Simon Herteleer, the WFP’s local representative, the organisation primarily wants to contribute to resolving logistical bottlenecks in supplying food to schools. The transport and distribution of meals pose a challenge, particularly in remote areas.
“We want to step up our efforts to ensure that every child receives a meal, including at schools that are difficult to reach and where the needs are greater,” Herteleer said.
Attention to children’s needs
In addition to logistical support, the WFP also wants to provide technical assistance to the presidential working group. This must take into account children’s nutritional needs and the specific circumstances within the various communities.
“It is not only about providing food, but also about looking at the needs of the children, the country and the preferences of the communities,” Herteleer emphasised.
The WFP is already working with various Surinamese government agencies and other partners, including the Nationaal Coördinatiecentrum voor Rampenbeheersing (NCCR) (National Coordination Centre for Disaster Management), the Nationale Milieu Autoriteit (NMA) (National Environmental Authority) and the ministerie van Landbouw, Veeteelt en Visserij (LVV) (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries).
These existing partnerships should contribute to the development of a nationwide approach, which will also improve access to schools in remote areas.
Further talks planned
According to Herteleer, the WFP is seeking long-term cooperation with the Surinamese government. The support should focus not only on the delivery of food, but also on strengthening the organisation and implementation of the school feeding programme.
Thursday’s meeting is considered a first step in that process. In the coming period, follow-up discussions will take place to make concrete agreements on the cooperation and the further expansion of the programme.
No details have yet been announced regarding the scope of the possible support, the funding or the timing of the introduction of additional measures.
