The Charoen Pokphand for Rural Life Development Foundation, in collaboration with Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods), continues to promote child nutrition and development in rural Thailand through the long-running “Raising Layers for Students’ Lunch” project. Inspired by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s vision for the “Agriculture for School Lunch” program, the initiative has been helping students access fresh, nutritious eggs since 1989.
More than just a food program, the project fosters physical and mental growth among students, laying a foundation for lifelong well-being and practical life skills. It is supported by a strong network of like-minded partners including the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), the Border Patrol Police Bureau, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok (JCC), and CP Group companies such as Chia Tai, CP All, CP Axtra, Makro, Lotus’s, and True Corporation.
“Clean Coop with Care, Share Eggs with Kids” – Raising Sanitation Standards in Schools
To enhance student health and food safety, the Foundation and CP Foods recently launched the “Clean Coop with Care, Share Eggs with Kids” activity. Volunteers from CP Foods’ shrimp hatchery in Trat Province came together to clean and upgrade chicken coops at participating schools, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for egg production.
This pilot initiative was launched at the Border Patrol Police School Singapore Airlines in Soi Dao District, Chanthaburi, and reflects CP Group’s continued commitment to giving back to the community through employee volunteerism and grassroots engagement.
Nutrition Meets Practical Education
Peetanatat Weerongkasenee, Project Manager of the “Raising Layers for Students’ Lunch” project at The Charoen Pokphand for Rural Life Development Foundation, emphasized that the program is about more than just providing eggs. “We focus on hygiene and proper farm management because they directly affect student health,” he said. “This campaign is a vital step forward in setting higher sanitation standards and will be expanded to more schools in the near future.”
Pornthip Thanaprasop, Administrative and Sustainability Professional at CP Foods, shared her pride in participating. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of an effort that not only improves children’s nutrition but also their overall hygiene and development. These children are the future of our country.”
From Classroom to Community
The project also serves as a platform for students to gain hands-on experience in agriculture. A tailored curriculum covers everything from raising chickens and managing farms to processing egg-based products. These skills are not only practical but can be turned into income-generating opportunities for schools and communities.
Since its inception, the project has expanded to 988 schools across 75 provinces, benefiting over 223,000 students and more than 16,500 teachers and school staff. The Charoen Pokphand for Rural Life Development Foundation and CP Foods aim to reach 1,000 schools nationwide by 2030, continuing to uplift nutrition and quality of life in underserved communities.
The “Raising Layers for Students’ Lunch” project is not just an educational tool—it’s a catalyst for sustainable development, helping transform schools into “local food banks” and creating long-term positive impact for Thai society.
