Schools in remote areas are facing the challenge to provide adequate nutrients for children’s lunch plan due to funding issues. The recent rise in food prices has exacerbated the challenge posed to these schools. China Development Foundation under China Development Financial Holding Corporation (CDF) now calls for submission for "Nutrition 100 Program" in 2022. The program expected to invest NT$5 million to assist rural schools in solving the difficulties in this regard. Rural elementary and junior schools in need are eligible to apply for a school lunch subsidy to provide the next generation of talents with the nutrients they need for growth. The submission period ends by April 30, 2022.
Having implemented the "Nutrition 100 Program" for 17 consecutive years, the China Development Foundation has invested a total amount of more than NT$85 million to provide nutrition to schoolchildren in remote areas. Sanhe Elementary School in Longtan District, Taoyuan City, has filed an application every year over the past five years. With only 52 students, its income from lunch fees is limited. Mr. Chou, the executive secretary of school lunch, stated that students consume a great deal of energy during the growth period, and the mere reliance on the lunch fees collected by the school and a subsidy offered by the government makes it difficult for the school to provide the sufficient nutrition to school children. Mr. Chou added, "CDF's long-term program allows children to have fresh milk and fruit twice a week and provides the necessary nutrients."
To allow children in remote areas to connect with the outside world, Xiatan Elementary School in Lucao Township, Chiayi County, purchases a variety of agricultural products and fruits through this program. "Are these cherries? I saw them on TV. Yay!" exclaimed by a student when she saw cherries. Last year, the school children also had Chilean apples, Japanese persimmons, and Taiwanese strawberries. Through the place of origin of the fruit, they learned about the world and created memories at the same time.
CDF has been implementing the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives for a long time. With the public welfare strategy of building an inclusive society, CDF send supports to school children in the growth stage. The subsidy program this year targets rural schools in Taitung, Yilan, Pingtung, Kaohsiung, Chiayi, Nantou, Changhua, Miaoli, and Hsinchu, and Taoyuan. We are more than welcome applications from eligible rural schools.