Punjab Expands School Meal Program to 10 More Districts

In a major step towards improving child nutrition and school attendance, the Government of Punjab has approved the expansion of the School Meal Program to 10 additional districts across the province. The initiative, backed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, aims to provide free nutritious meals to students from Class 1 to Class 5 in government schools.

New Districts Added to the Program

According to official sources, the School Meal Program will now cover the following districts:

Bhakkar
Mianwali
Layyah
Dera Ghazi Khan
Rajanpur
Muzaffargarh
Chiniot
Rahim Yar Khan
Lodhran
Vehari

This expansion follows the program’s successful pilot phase in select districts, where it significantly improved school attendance, concentration levels, and student health.

Vision Behind the Program

Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat emphasized that the initiative is designed to ensure that no child goes hungry while pursuing education. He said:

“Children from low-income families often come to school without breakfast. A nutritious school meal not only helps them stay focused but also encourages parents to send their children to school regularly.”

The program reflects the provincial government’s commitment to combating malnutrition, reducing dropout rates, and enhancing learning outcomes.

Support from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has played a vital role in supporting educational reforms and welfare initiatives for children. Alongside the school meal expansion, she has also approved the construction of two new Daanish Schools — one in Sarai Alamgir and another in Phoolnagar — to provide quality education for underprivileged students.

Expected Benefits

The School Meal Program is expected to bring multiple benefits, including:
✅ Increased enrollment and attendance rates in public schools
✅ Improved student health and nutrition
✅ Enhanced learning performance
✅ Greater community trust in government education programs

According to education experts, providing healthy meals at school can transform not just academic results but also childhood development across Punjab.

Conclusion

The expansion of the Punjab School Meal Program marks a historic milestone in Pakistan’s education and welfare sector. With strong leadership from Maryam Nawaz and Rana Sikandar Hayat, the initiative will improve the lives of thousands of children across 10 new districts.

This is not just a food program — it’s an investment in the future of Pakistan’s young generation.

Source: HUM NEWS