Punjab Food Authority Launches Phase 2 of School Nutrition Program

LAHORE, Pakistan — The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has launched the second phase of its School Nutrition Program at GPS Junior Model School, Rowaz Garden, Lahore. The inauguration ceremony was led by PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid alongside the Deputy Secretary of the School Education Department.

As part of the initiative, more than 200 children received healthy lunch boxes. DG Javaid explained that while Phase 1 included fortified bread, milk, and dry fruits, the newly introduced Phase 2 offers a more diverse diet, including milk, fruits, eggs, and balanced meals designed to address nutritional deficiencies.

Highlighting alarming indicators, he noted that 40 percent of children in Pakistan are stunted, 28 percent wasted, and 30 percent under height for their age. The National Nutrition Survey further reveals that 25 percent of children are zinc deficient and 30 percent iron deficient. “Nutritious food, coupled with vitamins and minerals, is vital to strengthen immunity,” he said, stressing the importance of exercise and walking in daily routines.

The DG announced that the program will gradually expand across Punjab, with parents, teachers, and children being educated on healthy diets. Nutrition Ambassadors will also be appointed in schools to promote awareness. He urged families to replace junk food such as shawarma, burgers, and pizza with milk, yogurt, vegetables, fruits, meat, and pulses, warning that poor nutrition hampers both physical and mental growth.

Acknowledging the role of the Punjab Government, officers, and staff, Javaid emphasized: “Today’s healthy children are the hope for a brighter tomorrow.”