New School Nutrition Initiative Gets Rs 7B for School Meal Program 2025-26
School nutrition initiative is urgently needed as nutritional deficiency in children remains one of the biggest problems in Pakistan today. In areas like South Punjab, many children don’t get the proper food they need to grow and learn. According to the National Nutrition Survey, 4 out of 10 children under five years are stunted, and more than 17% suffer from wasting, meaning they are dangerously underweight for their height. Thats why the government decide to allocate 7B for School Meal Program.
Why the Punjab School Nutrition Initiative Matters Now More Than Ever
This is why the Punjab Government has started a new program of School Nutrition Initiative in the 2025-26 budget, with Rs 7 billion set aside to give meals to school children. The New School Nutrition Initiative Gets Rs 7B for School Meal Program 2025-26 aims to give milk and nutrition to thousands of children who need it the most. This investment is important because it helps both health and education at the same time. Children who eat better will perform better in school, and their future will be brighter.
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Key Features of the Rs 7 Billion School Nutrition Initiative
The program has already started in three districts of South Punjab: Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and Muzaffargarh. These areas have some of the highest child poverty and undernutrition rates in Pakistan. Over 400,000 primary school students from 3,527 schools are now receiving a 175ml pack of milk every day. This small pack of milk provides calcium, protein, and vitamins that growing children need.
A unique part of this program is the recycling model. Every student is asked to return the empty milk pack. These packs will be collected and recycled. The money earned from this recycling will go back to the schools to improve their facilities. This system not only teaches children about environmental responsibility but also makes the program sustainable for the long term. Under the Green Punjab Policy, 13 million milk packs are expected to be recycled each month.
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Public-Private Partnerships Powering the Initiative
To make this plan successful, the Punjab Government is working with private companies. One major supporter is Coca-Cola Pakistan, which joined hands with the Punjab Food Authority (PFA). This public-private partnership helps increase the program’s reach and quality. Coca-Cola provided high-nutrition meal boxes to students at the SOS Village School, Lahore, showing how companies can play a role in community support.
Syed Asim Javaid, Director General of the Punjab Food Authority, said that this step will improve the well-being of many students. He praised Coca-Cola for its ongoing support for Pakistan’s economy and community programs. He added that the recycled packs will also help schools grow. This idea brings both nutrition and environmental awareness into one project.
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CM Maryam Nawaz Leads the Way on Child Health Reform
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally launched School Nutrition Initiative. She visited the Government Primary School MC-I in Dera Ghazi Khan to start the project. During her visit, she went to each classroom, talked to the students, and handed them milk boxes. Her direct involvement shows how serious the government is about child health.
Maryam Nawaz sat with the children, asked about their studies, and listened to their problems. This human touch has made a big impact. Many parents and teachers have praised her for focusing on real issues like child nutrition and education. Her leadership sends a strong message that improving schools is a top priority.
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Future Expansion Plans Across All Punjab Districts
The current pilot phase is only the beginning. After its success in the three southern districts, the School Meal Program 2025-26 will expand across all of Punjab. More children will receive nutritious meals daily, and the model will include height, weight, and BMI screenings to track each child’s health.
The government plans to monitor health changes using simple indicators and digital records. Each month, health workers will collect data to check if students are improving. These efforts aim to make sure every child gets the best chance at a healthy life. The program will also include awareness campaigns for parents and schools about healthy eating habits.
A Healthier Tomorrow Starts Today
The New School Nutrition Initiative Gets Rs 7B for School Meal Program 2025-26 is more than just a new policy. It is a major step toward changing the lives of millions of Pakistani children. Better nutrition means better focus in school, better test scores, and stronger futures.
Nutrition Impact Table
| Area | Students Benefiting | Milk per Day | Schools Covered | Monthly Packs Recycled |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dera Ghazi Khan | 150,000 | 175 ml | 1,250 | 4.5 million |
| Rajanpur | 130,000 | 175 ml | 1,100 | 4.3 million |
| Muzaffargarh | 120,000 | 175 ml | 1,177 | 4.2 million |
| Total | 400,000+ | 175 ml | 3,527 | 13 million |
This data shows how much planning and effort are going into this project. As it grows, the number of students and districts involved will also increase.
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Conclusion:
The NewSchool Nutrition InitiativeGets Rs 7B for School Meal Program 2025-26 is a life-changing investment in Pakistan’s future. By combining education, health, and sustainability, the Punjab Government is showing the power of smart policy. With millions of children already benefiting and plans to expand across all districts, this initiative brings hope, energy, and nourishment to classrooms. It is a clear message that the health and education of our children are top priorities.
