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Sindh Government Launches Free Midday Meal Program for School Children in Collaboration with World Food Program
The Sindh government partners with the World Food Program to launch a free midday meal program for children in government schools, starting in Malir, Karachi. The initiative aims to combat malnutrition and improve school attendance.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-29
Sindh Government Launches Free Midday Meal Program for School Children in Collaboration with World Food Program

Karachi — In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at combating malnutrition and improving school attendance, the Sindh government has announced a free midday meal program for children in government schools. This initiative, in collaboration with the World Food Program (WFP), aims to provide a balanced, nutritious diet to children, particularly in areas where poverty and food insecurity are prevalent.

Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah met with WFP Country Director Coco Oshiyama to discuss the challenges of malnutrition and food shortages faced by school children. During the meeting, both parties agreed on the need for a sustainable solution to ensure that children receive proper nutrition to enhance their learning and health.

Minister Shah highlighted that due to financial constraints and changing family dynamics, many parents are unable to provide their children with adequate nutrition, which adversely affects their learning abilities and overall health. "Malnutrition among children not only hinders their physical growth but also impacts their cognitive development and academic performance," said Syed Sardar Ali Shah.

The government has prioritized starting the program in areas with the highest poverty rates, where children are most affected by malnutrition. Minister Shah emphasized that the availability of regular meals in schools would not only address health concerns but also help reduce dropout rates and improve attendance.

Coco Oshiyama, the WFP Country Director, emphasized the importance of providing a balanced diet to school children, noting that a nutritious diet contributes to better mental development, improved memory, and enhanced learning ability. She also pointed out that nutritious meals would help boost children’s immune systems, protecting them from common diseases.

The program’s first phase will be launched in Malir district of Karachi, with plans for a baseline survey to assess the needs of the community. Over the next two years, approximately 11,000 boys and girls in the district will receive hot meal lunch boxes as part of the initiative.

This collaboration between the Sindh government and the World Food Program aims to create a lasting positive impact on the health and education of children, ensuring that they are well-nourished and better equipped to succeed in their academic pursuits.
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