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LAHORE, Oct 23 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) continues its initiative to distribute nutritious meals containing 480 calories daily to 10,000 schoolchildren under the School Nutrition Program Phase-II.
In continuation of the program, Director General Punjab Food Authority Asim Javed, along with a delegation from the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), distributed healthy lunches among students at GPS Junior Model School, Rewaz Garden.
“The School Nutrition Program Phase-II is another revolutionary milestone by the Punjab Food Authority,” said DG Asim Javed, adding that more than 200 public school students are currently being served healthy lunches daily.
During the visit, DG PFA interacted with students, answered their questions, and personally served them food.
He emphasized that the School Nutrition Program is a unique, internationally aligned initiative aimed at combating malnutrition among school-aged children.
Quoting data from the National Nutrition Survey, Asim Javed highlighted alarming figures and said that more than 40 percent of children suffer from stunting (low height-for-age) while 28 percent face wasting (low weight-for-height).
He said that in Phase-II, meals are being prepared under a carefully designed diet plan developed in consultation with nutrition experts.
In Phase-I, children received fortified bread, milk and dry fruits (nuts) as part of their lunch boxes.
“The use of vitamins and minerals in children’s meals strengthens their immune systems,” DG PFA noted, adding that the authority aims to protect every child in Punjab from malnutrition through this program.
The visiting GAIN delegation appreciated PFA’s efforts, stating that malnourished children are unable to reach their full potential.
They commended Punjab Food Authority’s initiative to promote awareness among children to prefer milk, yogurt and butter over junk foods like shawarma, burgers, and pizza at a young age.