LAHORE: The Punjab Food Authority, in collaboration with the Labour & Human Resources Department, has launched Phase-II of the School Meal Programme from Worker Welfare Primary School, Nishtar, Lahore.
The program was inaugurated by Provincial Minister for Labour & Human Resources Khawaja Muhammad Mansha Ullah Butt and Director General Punjab Food Authority Muhammad Asim Javaid.
Provincial Minister Mansha Ullah Butt said that good health of today’s children guarantees a bright future, adding that the School Nutrition Program is nothing less than a blessing and a dire need of the time. He appreciated the dedication of DG Punjab Food Authority towards the health and well-being of children.
DG PFA Asim Javaid said that a comprehensive policy focus on food nutrition is essential to combat malnutrition. He said that under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab, quality and nutritious food is being provided to students through this pilot project. He emphasized that children suffering from malnutrition can never achieve their true potential, therefore, timely intervention is critical.
He further stated that under the program, nutritious meals will be provided to 14,100 students of 36 schools for a period of three months, including 30 government primary schools and six Worker Welfare schools. Awareness on balanced diet and healthy eating habits will be extended to 40 million students of public and private schools across Punjab. A proposal is also under consideration to include 73 additional Labour Welfare schools, while Nutrition Coordination Committees are being established in every school to ensure effective monitoring.
He said that the initiative has been launched under the directions of the Chief Minister Punjab with renewed targets to ensure education with health free from nutritional deficiencies. The menu focuses on a balanced diet comprising meat, pulses, vegetables and fruits, along with awareness on proper meal timings. Pre- and post-health monitoring of students will also be carried out.
The DG said that according to the National Nutritional Survey, 40 percent children face stunting, 28 percent wasting and 30 percent are under-height for age, which reflects an alarming situation requiring immediate collective action. The program has been initiated following the success of the Eat Safe Kids Campaign and its scope is being gradually expanded from Lahore to Rajanpur.
The DG said that PFA will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard children from malnutrition and to promote a healthy generation. He appealed to parents, teachers and the community to support the initiative for a healthier and brighter future of the children.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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