Big Announcement: Punjab Food Authority Launches ‘School Nutrition Programme’ 2025

The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) launched a significant initiative, the “School Nutrition Programme,” aimed at addressing the nutritional needs of children in the province. The program was inaugurated at the Divisional Public School in Lahore by Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir, Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin, and Salma Butt, marking the beginning of a major effort to improve children’s health.

Key AspectsInformation
Target Beneficiaries38,000 children across 25 schools
Health Screening7,000 children screened, 2,200 identified as severely malnourished
Meal ProvisionTwo months of nutrition-rich meals for students
Online PortalPortal for access by parents, principals, and nutritionists

Aiming to Improve Children’s Health

The main objective of this pilot project is to tackle malnutrition by providing nutritious meals and offering free health screenings for children. The program’s goal is to promote better eating habits and help improve the overall health of students. According to the Punjab Food Authority, around 40% of children in the province face stunting, and 28% suffer from wasting, while a significant number are either underweight or overweight.

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Tackling Malnutrition with Nutritious Meals

  • The program provides meals rich in essential nutrients such as meat, lentils, milk, yogurt, and vegetables.
  • The meals are designed to help children achieve balanced nutrition and foster physical and mental development.
  • The initiative aims to address malnutrition issues, including stunting and wasting among children.
  • Healthy food choices, including fruits like apples, pomegranates, and carrots, are incorporated into the diet.

The nutritional value of these meals aims to foster physical and mental development in children.

Phases and Monitoring of the Programme

The program has been divided into two phases. The pilot phase involves health screenings and meal provisions, followed by additional screenings and expanded efforts to cover more schools across Punjab. A School Coordination Committee has been set up to monitor the implementation of the program in each school. The committee will include the principal and two teachers from each participating school to ensure smooth operations.

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Public Support and Educational Campaigns

Khawaja Imran Nazir, the Health Minister, highlighted the importance of nutrition in child development and emphasized the need to raise awareness about its role in improving physical and mental well-being. Minister Bilal Yasin praised the PFA for launching this important initiative and setting an example for other provinces to follow.

Salma Butt, a key supporter of the program, stressed the alarming rates of malnutrition and called for immediate action to address the crisis. She encouraged children to choose healthy foods over junk food, while the Director-General of Civil Services highlighted the importance of spreading awareness through various media channels and schools.

Conclusion

The School Nutrition Programme, directed by the Punjab Food Authority, is a crucial step toward combating malnutrition and promoting healthy eating habits among children in Punjab. With the aim to create a healthier future for the youth, the program is expected to expand further, ultimately benefiting millions of children across the province. This initiative aligns with the Chief Minister’s vision to improve health standards and contribute to the overall development of Punjab.

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FAQs

What is the School Nutrition Programme?

The program aims to improve the health of children by providing free health screenings and nutrition-rich meals in schools across Punjab.

How many children are targeted by the programme?

Initially, the program is targeting 38,000 children across 25 schools in Punjab.

What kind of meals are provided to students?

The meals provided are rich in essential nutrients, including meat, lentils, milk, yogurt, vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.

How is the program being monitored?

A School Coordination Committee, consisting of the principal and two teachers from each school, is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the program.

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