In an effort to address malnutrition and food insecurity among students—ensuring better health and improved learning outcomes—the Sindh government, in collaboration with the World Food Program (WFP), has decided to provide free lunches to children in public schools.
The decision was made during a meeting between Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah and WFP Country Director Coco Ushiyama. The meeting, held at the School Education Department office on Wednesday, was attended by Secretary of School Education Sindh Zahid Ali Abbasi and other officials.
The initiative will first be implemented in Karachi’s Malir district, where a baseline survey of schools and surrounding areas will be conducted. In this initial phase, 11,000 students will receive hot meal lunch boxes at school.
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Depending on the progress and outcomes of the first year, the program may be expanded to other government schools across Sindh. Moreover, a robust monitoring system will be established to oversee meal distribution and ensure food quality.
WFP Country Director Ushiyama stressed the importance of the initiative, highlighting that a balanced diet enhances cognitive development, memory, and overall learning abilities.
She added that providing nutritious school meals would also help strengthen children’s immune systems, protecting them from various diseases. Ensuring high-quality meals remains the program’s top priority.
