Punjab Food Authority has expanded the School Nutrition Program to 30 additional government schools in Lahore, benefiting 20,000 students in total.
Special Assistants to CM Punjab, Salma Butt and Zeeshan Malik, inaugurated Phase-II of the School Nutrition Program at Government Girls Primary School, Nishter Colony.
Salma Butt said that PFA has achieved another milestone despite limited resources, successfully expanding this state-of-the-art nutrition initiative. She said that nutritious meals providing 480 to 500 calories are being distributed among children, prepared under a diet plan designed by qualified nutrition experts, keeping in view the age and growth needs of school-going children.
She said that the initiative aimed at overcoming malnutrition, improving mental and physical development and encouraging healthy eating habits. She appreciated DG PFA Muhammad Asim Javaid for his commitment and hard work towards children’s health.
Zeeshan Malik said that the success of the pilot phase has paved the way for the gradual expansion of the programme across Punjab. He said that healthy food improves learning ability and that media representatives have a crucial role in promoting nutrition awareness among communities.
Asim Javaid stated that 40 per cent of children suffer from stunting, 28 per cent from wasting, and 30 per cent have height below age standards. Moreover, 25 per cent of children are zinc-deficient and 30 per cent suffer from iron deficiency.
Expressing concerns over these figures, he called for emergency measures to combat malnutrition. He mentioned that in Phase I, children were provided with fortified bread, milk, and dry fruits (nuts) in lunchboxes to boost immunity and overall health.
He further stated that vitamins and minerals play a vital role in strengthening the immune system, adding that PFA is committed to protecting every child in Punjab from nutritional deficiencies. He said that parents, teachers, and students are being given detailed training and awareness sessions about balanced and safe nutrition.
He also shared that the Girls Nutrition Programme is successfully running to ensure the good health of young girls. He urged parents and teachers to support PFA’s mission and encourage children to eat nutritious food.
