Punjab School Nutrition Program Phase 3
The Punjab government has taken another big step toward ensuring a healthy and bright future for school children. Under the “Healthy Children, Healthy Punjab” mission, the Punjab School Nutrition Program has now entered its third phase, expanding its reach to 70 government schools. Through this initiative, around 20,000 students will receive nutritious, fortified meals every day, helping improve their physical and mental growth.
This program reflects the government’s commitment to improving children’s health, education, and overall well-being. The Phase 3 launch took place at the Government Girls Primary School, marking the beginning of a wider plan to deliver healthy meals to more schools across the province.
What the Punjab School Nutrition Program Phase 3 Covers
In this new phase, the Punjab School Nutrition Program will now benefit students from 70 government schools. Every child will receive a healthy and balanced meal daily. The initiative aims to promote better nutrition, enhance learning capacity, and support children’s overall development.
Earlier, in the first two phases, 40 schools were included in the program, and students were provided with high-quality, nutritious food. Now, 30 more schools have been added to the network, marking the program’s expansion and long-term sustainability.
Launch of Phase 3 at Government Girls Primary School
Phase 3 officially began at the Government Girls Primary School, showing the government’s focus on empowering and supporting young students, especially girls. The event highlighted the goal of ensuring that every child studying in a government school gets proper nutrition to support learning and healthy growth.
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Who’s Running the Program and How It Works
The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) plays a major role in executing this program. The Director General of the Punjab Food Authority stated that this entire initiative is being operated without using funds from the national treasury. Instead, it is managed efficiently through partnerships and local resources to ensure sustainability.
According to Special Assistant to the Chief Minister, Salma Butt, the success of any nation depends on the mental and physical growth of its children. She emphasized that the government is determined to further expand this program so that every child can benefit from nutritious food during their school years.
What Children Will Receive: Fortified Food and Healthy Meals
The meals provided under the Punjab School Nutrition Program are fortified and rich in essential nutrients. Each meal is designed to provide children with the energy and vitamins they need to stay active, concentrate better in class, and maintain good health.
This daily meal program ensures that no student goes hungry or suffers from nutritional deficiencies. The focus is on creating a sustainable model that not only provides food but also builds long-term health awareness among children and families.
Why This Program Matters
According to the National Nutrition Survey, the number of children suffering from malnutrition in Pakistan is alarming. Many students, especially in underprivileged areas, face challenges in accessing nutritious food.
Recognizing this urgent issue, the Punjab government expanded the Punjab School Nutrition Program to include more schools. Now, under this meal initiative, over 15,000 children will receive healthy and balanced meals daily, addressing both hunger and nutritional deficiency.
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How This Phase Differs From Phase I and II
The earlier phases of the program covered 40 schools across Punjab, offering high-quality, healthy meals to students. In Phase 3, 30 new schools have been added, bringing the total to 70.
Another key difference is the introduction of fortified food, which provides enhanced nutritional value. Furthermore, this phase also showcases a more efficient funding system, ensuring that the program runs smoothly without relying on the national treasury.
Implementation and Funding Without Burdening the Treasury
One of the most impressive aspects of the Punjab School Nutrition Program is that it operates without taking any funds from the national treasury. The Punjab Food Authority has found effective and sustainable ways to manage the program’s expenses, ensuring that children benefit continuously without additional financial burden on the government.
Expected Impact: Healthy Students, Bright Future
Healthy children represent the promise of a brighter and stronger Punjab. This initiative aims to reduce malnutrition, improve children’s academic performance, and promote a healthier lifestyle. By providing daily nutritious meals, the government is investing in both the present and the future of Pakistan’s youth.
As the program continues to grow, it is expected to inspire similar models across the country, where health and education go hand in hand to build a prosperous nation.
Quick Facts About Punjab School Nutrition Program
- Total Schools Covered: 70 government schools
- Children Benefited: Over 15,000–20,000 students
- Program Phase: Phase 3 (launched at Government Girls Primary School)
- Food Type: Fortified and nutrient-rich meals
- Funding: Operated without national treasury funds
- Key Officials: DG Punjab Food Authority and Salma Butt, Special Assistant to CM Punjab