The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education has introduced a nationwide Government Nutrition Programme aimed at providing nutritious meals to school children from Grades 1 to 5 in all government schools. The initiative, themed “A Healthy and Active Generation of Children,” seeks to address nutritional deficiencies, improve school attendance, and enhance educational outcomes.
Key Highlights of the Programme:
- Target Beneficiaries:
- All students in Grades 1–5, special education units, and selected Pirivenas.
- Expansion to Grades 6–13 based on nutritional assessments.
- Meal Provision:
- Timing: Breakfast served within the first hour of school (7:30 AM–8:30 AM) to ensure students start their day with energy.
- Menu: Balanced meals including rice, vegetables, eggs, fish, and local fruits, designed to meet one-third of daily calorie and nutrient requirements.
- Implementation Framework:
- School Food Committees: Headed by principals, these committees will oversee meal quality, hygiene, and compliance with health standards.
- Strict Safety Protocols: Regular inspections by Public Health Inspectors, training for food handlers, and adherence to the Food Act and Consumer Affairs Act.
- Financial Management:
- Funds allocated directly to Provincial Councils, with 50% advances provided to schools facing financial constraints.
- Payments linked to attendance (100% for ≥90% attendance; 90% for ≤89%).
- Monitoring & Accountability:
- Progress review meetings at school, zonal, provincial, and national levels.
- Annual studies to evaluate impact on attendance, nutrition, and academic performance.
- Community & International Support:
- Collaboration with local agriculture sectors, NGOs, and international bodies like the World Food Programme.
- Encouragement of “Home-Grown School Feeding” to promote local food production.
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