The Punjab government has announced the expansion of its Free School Meal Program to ten additional districts, a move aimed at improving child nutrition and increasing school attendance among young students. The initiative, led under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s education reforms, will now cover Bhakkar, Mianwali, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Chiniot, Rahim Yar Khan, Lodhran, and Vehari.
The program provides free daily meals to students from grades one to five, addressing malnutrition and school dropout challenges in underprivileged areas. Officials say the expansion reflects Punjab’s commitment to inclusive education and child welfare.
In addition to the meal initiative, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also approved the establishment of new Danish Schools in Sarai Alamgir and Phool Nagar, aiming to expand access to quality education in remote areas.
“Ensuring that every child has access to nutritious food and quality education is central to our government’s vision for a prosperous Punjab,” said the provincial education minister.