Background

The Ajinomoto Foundation, in collaboration with the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), supports the construction of Ajinomoto Canteens for schools under OBEC through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The initiative aims to provide students with access to hygienic and well-equipped school canteens while strengthening food and nutrition knowledge among teachers, educational personnel, and schools. Ultimately, the program contributes to the long-term health, well-being, and quality of life of Thai children and youth.

Since its launch in 2010, the initiative has evolved through four phases:

Phase 1 – 50 Years 50 Schools (2010–2014)
Supported the construction of 50 Ajinomoto Canteens with a total budget of THB 25 million.

Phase 2 – Ajinomoto for Thai: Better Nutrition, Stronger Nation (2015–2019)
Expanded the initiative to support the construction of 80 Ajinomoto Canteens with a total budget of THB 80 million.

Phase 3 – Ajinomoto for Thai: Better Nutrition, Stronger Nation (2020–2025)
Allocated THB 130 million to support the construction of 50 Ajinomoto Canteens, while expanding the initiative to include nutrition education, educational resources, and learning materials.

Phase 4 – Ajinomoto for Thai: Better Nutrition, Stronger Nation (2026–2027)
Supporting the construction of 16 additional Ajinomoto Canteens to extend coverage across all 183 Primary Educational Service Areas nationwide, while further developing model schools for food and nutrition education.

Over the years, the initiative has evolved beyond the construction of school canteens into a comprehensive school food and nutrition management program. Through capacity building, hands-on workshops, educational resources, and the development of model schools, the Foundation empowers schools to manage sustainable and effective school lunch programs.

Objectives

• Support the construction of hygienic, high-standard Ajinomoto Canteens for schools under OBEC.
• Strengthen food and nutrition knowledge among teachers, educational personnel, and school lunch program coordinators.
• Enhance schools’ capacity to effectively manage food and nutrition programs.
• Develop model schools as learning hubs to share best practices and expand knowledge across school networks.
• Promote healthy nutrition, well-being, and sustainable quality of life for Thai students.

Key Activities

The initiative is implemented through three core activities:
Providing financial support for the construction of Ajinomoto Canteens at selected schools.
Delivering food and nutrition education through workshops, follow-up activities, and the development of model schools.
Supporting schools with educational materials and innovative learning resources that enable schools to continuously apply and expand their food and nutrition knowledge.

Expected Outcomes

Schools have access to hygienic, safe, and high-quality canteens that support effective school lunch programs.
Teachers and educational personnel gain practical knowledge to improve school food and nutrition management.
Model schools serve as learning centers that transfer knowledge and best practices to surrounding schools.
Students develop healthier eating habits and achieve improved nutritional well-being.
Primary Educational Service Area Offices strengthen sustainable school food and nutrition management through collaborative networks and model schools.