Can local farms sustain Thai school lunches? A qualitative exploration of challenges and solutions

School lunch programs play a critical role in providing essential nutrition to children; however, sourcing ingredients locally remains a challenge for many schools in Thailand. This study aimed to explore the drivers and barriers influencing the integration of local farms, using Chiang Mai as a case study, into the Thai school lunch program. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 school staff and six local farmers in Saraphi and Hang Dong districts of the Chiang Mai area. Data were initially analyzed thematically to identify key patterns and concepts. These themes were then examined using a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) framework to categorize internal and external factors influencing local food sourcing. A TOWS (Threats, Opportunities, Weaknesses, Strengths) matrix was used to develop context-specific strategies for enhancing school-farm collaboration. The findings showed that key drivers for school-farm integration included strong community support, local market access, and agricultural education initiatives. Barriers included seasonal variability, inconsistent supply, and strict budgetary constraints. The study provided practical recommendations to enhance the sustainability of school-farm integration, including improved procurement planning, streamlined administrative processes, and the development of supportive policies to facilitate farm-to-school partnerships.