Punjab Education Dept Includes Fruit in Mid-Day Meals: Children to Receive Nutrient Boost
The updated menu, effective from January to March, reflects a broader array of options
Punjab Schools Mid-Day Meal News: In a positive stride towards enhancing the nutritional content of mid-day meals, the Punjab Education Department has introduced a significant change, incorporating fruits into the daily diet of students in government schools. Commencing from the upcoming year, 2024, students will now enjoy a weekly addition of bananas to their mid-day meal. The department has also expanded the variety of food items, introducing black gram and rajma to provide a more diverse and nutritious menu.
This decision comes on the heels of a social audit of the mid-day meal scheme in 10 districts of the state, conducted at the directive of the central government. Responding to valuable feedback from parents, teachers, and students, who suggested the inclusion of fruits in the mid-day meal, the Education Department promptly implemented the recommended changes.
The updated menu, effective from January to March, reflects a broader array of options aimed at ensuring a balanced and wholesome diet for the 1.7 lakh students enrolled in government, government-aided, primary, and elementary schools across the state. The addition of fruits, particularly bananas, is expected to contribute to the overall nutritional well-being of the students.
To support this initiative, the Education Department will allocate funds at a rate of Rs 5 per banana, facilitating the seamless inclusion of fruits in the mid-day meal program. The responsible school committees will closely monitor the implementation of these changes, ensuring that the nutritional requirements of the students are met. This initiative has also generated employment opportunities, with 42 thousand individuals involved in the execution of the mid-day meal program.
The revised mid-day meal schedule is as follows:
Monday: Dal mixed with seasonal vegetable, roti, and banana
Tuesday: Rajma and Rice
Wednesday: Black or white chickpeas, Puri
Thursday: Curry rice
Friday: Seasonal vegetable and Roti
Saturday: Seasonal vegetable and rice
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The Punjab Education Department aims to foster not only educational development but also the overall health and well-being of students by introducing these positive changes to the mid-day meal program. This initiative aligns with the government's commitment to providing quality education and ensuring the nutritional needs of every child are met.
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