In Oddar Meanchey’s Kouk Mon Commune, Commune Agricultural Officer (CAO) Loeung Toren plays a vital role in ensuring that vegetables supplied to schools under the World Food Programme’s Home-Grown School Feeding initiative are both safe and nutritious. While many small-scale farmers traditionally relied on chemical pesticides, Toren—trained by WFP and MAFF—now guides them toward safer, sustainable practices. By conducting regular farm inspections, he helps guarantee that local children receive healthy meals.
The impact reaches beyond nutrition. Toren’s efforts have fostered trust between farmers and schools, creating a local market system that provides farmers with a stable and reliable income. Through his dedication, Toren has strengthened both community livelihoods and the education system.