WFP ready to fund free school lunches
"Chronic malnutrition levels in Pakistan have not changed in the past 40 years and have been estimated to cost the economy 3% of its gross domestic product (GDP) per year," Dr Paracha.
The Sindh government, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), has decided to provide free lunch to children at government schools.
This initiative aims to address malnutrition and food insecurity among students, ensuring better health and learning outcomes, said an official statement on Wednesday.
The first phase will be launched in Malir district, where a baseline survey of schools and surrounding areas will be conducted.
Under this initiative, 11,000 students will receive hot meal lunch boxes at school. Based on the first year's progress and outcomes, the program may be expanded to other government schools across Sindh.
Additionally, an effective monitoring system will be implemented to oversee meal distribution and ensure food quality.
The decision was made during a meeting between Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah and WFP Country Director Coco Ushiyama. The meeting was held at the School Education Department office on Wednesday.