Deadline: 24-Mar-2026
The World Food Programme (WFP) is inviting expressions of interest to deliver fresh produce to 185 schools in southern Honduras during the 2026 school year. The initiative aims to reactivate the small producer purchasing model, improve school meal nutrition, boost local economies, and strengthen the capacities of smallholder suppliers linked to the National School Feeding Programme.
Overview of the Initiative
The World Food Programme (WFP) will coordinate the distribution of fresh food to 185 school centers in the south zone of Honduras for the 2026 school year. The program focuses on partnerships, training, capacity building, education, food assistance, health, livelihoods, community coexistence, and nutrition. Its main goal is to reactivate the small producer purchasing model in the northern cone of Choluteca and Nacaome, Valle, delivering fresh food to schools while enhancing local economies and school meal quality.
Project Background
Since 2015, the Government of Honduras had been developing a small producer purchasing model in the dry corridor, linking about 10,000 producers to institutional markets. The model was interrupted in 2020 due to funding shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic and a government transition, delaying its reactivation. Between 2023 and 2025, WFP used internal funds for pilot distributions in southern Honduras, reaching 8,042 children across 187 schools and supporting 118 small producers by connecting them to institutional markets and strengthening their capacities.
Objectives of the 2026 Program
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Reactivate local producer markets: Support smallholders in MANORCHO and Nacaome, Valle.
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Enhance school meal nutrition: Deliver fresh, locally sourced, nutritious, and diverse foods.
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Support small producer growth: Strengthen productive, financial, and accountability capacities of suppliers.
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Promote local economies: Encourage economic development through institutional purchasing.
Scope and Beneficiaries
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Schools covered: 185 in MANORCHO and Nacaome, Valle.
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Target students: Approximately 7,584 preschool and elementary students.
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School days: Fresh food distribution over 35 school days.
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Suppliers supported: Small producers linked to the National School Feeding Programme.
How the Program Works
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Coordination and Partnerships: Collaborate with local partners, government institutions, and school authorities to plan distribution.
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Capacity Building and Training: Provide technical and financial training to small producers to improve production quality and accountability.
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Food Distribution: Deliver fresh, regionally available produce to schools according to planned schedules.
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Monitoring and Reporting: Track food delivery, nutritional impact, and producer engagement for continuous improvement.
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Evaluation: Assess program impact on student nutrition, producer income, and local market activation.
Expected Results
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Distribution of nutritious, varied fresh food rations to schoolchildren.
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Strengthened technical, productive, and financial capacities of small producers.
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Improved nutrition and diversity of school meals.
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Boosted local economic activity and market linkages for smallholder farmers.
Indicative Budget
The total indicative budget for the 2026 school year program is $107,362.
Who is Eligible?
Organizations or implementing partners with experience in:
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Food distribution and school feeding programs.
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Community engagement and capacity building for small producers.
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Nutrition and health-focused educational initiatives.
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Coordination with government institutions and local authorities.
Why This Program Matters
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Nutrition: Enhances the quality and diversity of school meals.
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Economic Impact: Stimulates local economies through smallholder purchasing.
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Producer Empowerment: Strengthens technical, financial, and accountability skills of small producers.
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Education and Health: Supports student growth, learning outcomes, and overall wellbeing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Failing to coordinate effectively with local schools and authorities.
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Disregarding small producers’ capacities and technical needs.
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Ignoring food quality, nutrition, and local sourcing standards.
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Skipping monitoring and reporting, reducing accountability and impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which regions are covered? MANORCHO and Nacaome, Valle, Honduras.
2. Who can apply? Organizations experienced in food distribution, nutrition programs, and small producer support.
3. How many schools are included? 185 schools in the target regions.
4. How many students will benefit? Approximately 7,584 preschool and elementary students.
5. What is the program’s duration? Distribution over 35 school days during the 2026 school year.
6. What is the main goal? To deliver fresh food to schools while supporting small producers and boosting local economies.
7. What is the budget? The indicative budget is $107,362.
Conclusion
The WFP 2026 program in southern Honduras combines school nutrition, local economic development, and small producer capacity building. By distributing fresh, locally sourced food, strengthening smallholder capabilities, and supporting institutional market linkages, the initiative ensures healthier school meals, empowered producers, and stronger local communities.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.