Republic of Korea funds school meals and nutrition for children in Somalia

The contribution comes as 5.4 million people, nearly one-third of Somalia’s population, are projected to face crisis levels of acute food insecurity or worse, classified as IPC Phase 3 or above. Nearly two million children under five years are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition, including 433,000 with severe acute malnutrition. 

At the same time, 3.3 million children are out of school across Somalia. School meals can encourage enrolment and attendance while improving diets and supporting learning.

“We are grateful to the Republic of Korea for this generous contribution, which comes at a vital moment for Somalia, as hunger and malnutrition continue to threaten the health and future of millions of children,” said Hameed Nuru, WFP's Representative and Country Director in Somalia. “This support will help children access life-saving malnutrition treatment and home-grown school meals, providing them with the chance to stay healthy and reach their full potential. Investing in children today is an investment in Somalia’s future.”

With this funding, WFP will provide nutritious home-grown school meals to nearly 10,300 children, supporting attendance, learning and health while sourcing food from local farmers. In 2025, WFP-supported schools recorded a 98 percent retention rate. 

A further 37,200 children under five years with moderate acute malnutrition will receive life-saving treatment to help them recover and grow.

Ambassador Kang Hyung-shik of the Republic of Korea stated, “As a responsible member of the international community, Korea is actively contributing to humanitarian assistance efforts across Africa, including in Somalia. I am pleased that Korea can support Somali children through our partnership with the WFP, and I look forward to continuing our close cooperation on similar initiatives in the future.”

The contribution forms part of REACH II, a partnership between WFP and the Republic of Korea that supports conflict-affected families in Somalia. Since 2022, the Republic of Korea has provided USD 7.6 million to WFP for nutrition, school meals, and climate resilience activities in the country.

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of weather extremes.

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