The Food for People (FFP) program, operated by the Premsagar Foundation Nepal (PFN) in Tasarpu (Thakre-5), Dhading, celebrated its 15th anniversary on April 10, 2024. The event had the participation of 750 people from various parts of Nepal.

The celebration began with traditional Nepalese folk music (panche baja) and the national anthem. Following a warm welcome and a brief progress update from PFN team members, several guests spoke about the positive impact of FFP. The program featured performances including dances, songs, and poems by school students, teachers, local community members, and FFP volunteers.

Since its inception in 2009, FFP had been providing hot, nutritious meals to more than 500 children and elderly people daily in its dining hall itself. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the program adapted by preparing light lunches in the FFP kitchen, transporting them to and serving them in 10 schools, benefiting a total of 2,000 students daily. The initiative has led to significant improvements, such as better school attendance, reduced dropout rates, increased enrollment, enhanced academic performance, and improved health in the community.

During the ceremony, PFN honored two senior most citizens from the local ward and a regular contributing senior citizen with certificates and gifts. Additionally, five students from the four secondary schools served by FFP, who achieved top results in last year’s Secondary Education Examination (SEE), received certificates of appreciation and cash prizes.

Chief guest Mr. Ram Kumar Acharya, Thakre Rural Municipality Chair, and other special guests, including Thakre Vice Chair Mr. Yantra Bahadur Thapa, ward chairs, the District Forest Officer, and headmasters, praised the FFP program’s positive impact and pledged continued support. A student shared her experiences, highlighting the transformative effect of FFP meals<br> on her and her peers’ lives. Ms. Anita Rokaya, an FFP volunteer from the far west-northern mountainous district of Bajura, expressed her joy and fulfillment in serving the program.

The event concluded with a lunch served to all participants.