How One Meal Changed a Life and Sparked a Lifelong Gift

"Every time I make a small donation, my heart fills with joy because in doing so, I feel I’m giving back a little of what I once received." – Phuntsho Darjay, donor to GDG’s school meals with Project J807N in partnership with World Food Programme.

Phuntsho knows firsthand the life-changing impact of school meals. Growing up in Bhutan, he often went to school hungry. “We struggled just to have a proper meal. But then, the World Food Programme came into our lives and saved us from hunger. I still remember the taste of that warm rice with dal and oil. It was simple, yet to us, it felt like a feast. That was nearly 30 years ago, but the memory remains so fresh in my heart.”

Today, Phuntsho gives back, repaying a “debt of kindness” and helping children access the same lifeline that once gave him strength and hope.

Every day, over 100 million children in low- and lower-middle-income countries go hungry. Millions arrive at school on an empty stomach, struggling to concentrate and learn. In conflict-affected countries, children are twice as likely to be out of school. For many, especially girls, school meals are a lifeline, keeping them in the classroom and away from early marriage or child labour.

WFP school meal programmes, supported by donors to GDG project J807N, are a proven investment in human capital, generating up to US$35 in returns for every US$1 spent. They improve attendance, learning, nutrition and health, empower girls, and support local farmers through home-grown school feeding. Climate-smart, gender-sensitive, and sustainable, these programmes help communities thrive.

Globally, 466 million children benefit from school meal programmes. In 2024, WFP directly supported 20 million children across 61 countries. More than 50 countries now fully run their own programmes, demonstrating lasting impact.

By giving, donors like Phuntsho help turn a simple meal into hope, dignity, and opportunity. Together, we’re working toward a bold vision: every child receiving a healthy meal in school by 2030.