Written by Charis Raya
Edited by Sarah Duncan
Across Asia, families are feeling the strain of rising food prices, and one of the biggest drivers of this surge is fuel costs. When fuel prices climb, every part of the food system becomes more expensive: transporting rice from rural farms, delivering vegetables to markets, and cooking meals in school kitchens. For children who rely on daily school meals, these global pressures quickly become personal.
In Bangladesh, food inflation rose 9.3% year‑over‑year in early 2026, driven by higher transport costs and global supply disruptions. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, food inflation reached 1.8%, with vegetables, fish, and fruits rising between 3 to 9%, and officials warning that geopolitical tensions could push fuel and food prices even higher. Analysts across the region predict that food costs could rise even more in the coming months as fuel volatility continues.
For Thrive, these pressures are not abstract. They affect the cost of every meal we prepare. Typically, $10 provides a child with a nutritious school meal every day for a month. But with rising fuel and food prices, that cost could increase by 5 to 10%, depending on local market conditions.
And yet, despite these challenges, Thrive has remained unwavering. Since 2012, we have served over 5 million school meals. In all those years, we have missed only three days of meal service. Not even hartals, terrorism, fires, typhoons, or a global pandemic have stopped us. Children know that when they arrive at school, a nourishing meal will be waiting.
Our commitment goes beyond filling plates. We prioritize fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein sourced from local farmers, ensuring children receive the best nutrition possible while strengthening local economies. Every meal supports children’s nutrition as well as the livelihoods of growers, vendors, and other workers who keep food systems moving.
In a world where global conflicts and rising fuel prices threaten food security, your steadfast support makes all the difference. You help ensure that children continue receiving the school meals they depend on. meals that help them learn, grow, and dream.
Thank you for standing with Thrive, and with the children who count on us every school day.
