LAHORE: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA), in collaboration with the Labour and Human Resources Department, has launched the Phase-II of the School Meal Programme aimed at ensuring healthy nutrition for 14,100 students of 36 schools in the province.

Provincial Minister for Labour and Human Resources Khawaja Muhammad Mansha Ullah Butt and PFA Director General Asim Javaid inaugurated the programme at the Worker Welfare Primary School, Nishtar Town.

The minister said that good health of children guarantees a bright future, adding that the School Meal Programme was the need of the hour.

Mr Javaid said that a comprehensive policy focus on food nutrition is essential to combat malnutrition.

Over 14,000 students of 36 schools to be given nutritious food

He said as per the chief minister’s vision, quality and nutritious food is being provided to the students through this pilot project.

He warned that children suffering from malnutrition can never achieve their true potential, therefore timely intervention is critical.

The PFA DG stated that under the programme, nutritious meals would 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.

He said that awareness on balanced diet and healthy eating habits will also be created among 40 million students of public and private schools across Punjab.

He said that 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.

Mr Javaid said the menu focuses on a balanced diet, comprising meat, pulses, vegetables and fruits, along with awareness on proper meal timings, adding that pre and post health monitoring of students will also be carried out.

The PFA DG said that according to the National Nutritional Survey, 40 percent children face stunting and 30pc are of under-height for their age, which reflects an alarming situation, requiring immediate collective action.

He said the programme has been initiated following the success of the ‘Eat Safe Kids’ campaign and its scope is being gradually expanded from Lahore to Rajanpur.

Mr Javaid appealed to parents, teachers and the community to support the initiative for a healthier and brighter future for the children.

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2026