Punjab School Nutrition Program: A Step Forward

Launched in September 2024 by Pujan’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Chief Minister Primary School Nutrition Program aims to combat malnutrition and enhance educational outcomes by providing 175ml of milk daily to over 4500,000 children across 3,527 schools in southern Punjab. Additionally, a recycling initiative has been integrated to generate funds for school resources. While this initiative demonstrates strong policy intent, a critical evaluation is essential to assess its effectiveness, sustainability, and areas for improvement.

The program addresses a pressing issue in southern Punjab, where malnutrition rates are high. By providing fortified milk, the initiative aims to improve children’s health, cognitive development, and school attendance. The recycling component further supports school infrastructure, creating a circular economy within the program.

However, challenges exist, financial constraints may impact the program’s long-term viability, as the cost of providing daily milk to 400,000 children is substantial. Logistical issues, such as timely delivery and maintaining milk quality, could affect the program’s success. Ensuring the milk supplied meets health and safety standards is crucial to prevent adverse health outcomes. Staff shortages in schools may further hinder effective oversight of the program’s success; without adequate awareness and support, participation rates may be low.

To enhance the program’s effectiveness, it is recommended to establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess its impact and identify areas for improvement. Strengthening community engagement and ensuring the quality of milk supplied are essential for the program’s success. Exploring sustainable funding sources, including partnerships with NGOs and the private sector, could support the program’s long-term sustainability.

Strengths of the Program

The Chief Minister Primary School Nutrition Program demonstrates significant strengths in addressing malnutrition, improving educational outcomes, and promoting sustainability. One of its primary achievements lies in tackling the nutritional crisis in southern Punjab, where malnutrition indicators remain alarmingly high. According to the Pakistan National Nutrition Survey (2018), 40.2% of children under five in the region are stunted, 17.8% suffer from wasting, and 42.6% of women of reproductive age are anemic. By providing 175ml of milk daily, the program delivers essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, and vitamin D, which are crucial for healthy physical growth, bone development, and cognitive performance. Evidence from Food and Agriculture Organizations (2021) supports the positive health impact of daily interventions on child development.

The initiative also promises notable educational benefits. Nutritional deficiencies are strongly associated with reduced cognitive function, lower IQ scores, and increased absenteeism. By addressing these gaps, school-based feeding programs can improve learning outcomes and class participation. The Midday Meal Scheme in India, for instance, boosted primary school attendance by 10-20% and significantly enhanced academic performance (World Bank, 2022). In Pakistan, where economic hardship limits access to nutritious food for low-income families, such programs serve as vital tools for promoting educational equity and inclusivity (World Food Program, 2023).

Another innovative feature of the program is its built-in recycling initiative, which not only encourages environmental consciousness among students but also creates a self-sustaining model for generating school funds. This approach aligns with broader sustainability goals. However, similar recycling programs in Pakistan have previously struggled with weak infrastructure and limited public engagement, as noted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SPDI, 2023). Nonetheless, the proper support and awareness campaigns, this component could become a model for integrated school development efforts across the country.

Challenges and Areas for Improvements

While the program marks a commendable step toward addressing child malnutrition in southern Punjab, several critical challenges and areas for improvement must be addressed to ensure its long-term success and scalability. One key concern is the program’s limited nutritional scope. Although milk is rich in protein, calcium and vitamin D, it lacks other essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin A (PARC, 2022). Relying solely on milk may leave children vulnerable to hidden hunger, micronutrient deficiencies that impair growth and cognitive development. The FAO (2021) underscores the importance of dietary diversity to combat such deficiencies. Introducing fortified milk or complementary foods such as iron-enriched biscuits or boiled eggs would significantly enhance the program’s nutritional value.

Logistical challenges also pose a serious threat to effective implementation. Distributing fresh milk daily across 3,527 schools requires a robust cold chain, which is underdeveloped in many rural areas. Reports indicate that 20-30% of dairy products are lost due to inadequate storage and transport (Pakistan Dairy Association, 2023). A more practical alternative would be the use of ultra-heat treated (UHT) milk, which is shelf-stable and easier to distribute without cold storage.

Financial sustainability remains another pressing issue. While the pilot phase is government-funded, scaling the program across all of Punjab will require significant investment. India’s Midday Meal Program faced similar challenges, with budget constraints affecting consistency and quality (World Bank, 2022). Partnering with corporations such as Nesle Pakistan or Engro Foods and seeking support from international donors like UNICEF and FAO could provide sustainable funding.

The recycling initiative, though innovative, faces practical limitations. Pakistan recycles less than 10% of its plastic waste (SDPI,2023), and schools may lack structured waste segregation systems. Collaborations with Tetra Pak Pakistan and local waste management forms could enhance feasibility and ensure program impact.

Finally, a robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework is essential. Without data on health outcomes, attendance, and academic progress, it will be difficult to gauge success/ the program should include bi-annual health screenings and involve educational researchers to support data-driven policy refinement and expansion.

Conclusion

The Chief Minister Primary School Nutrition Program represents a significant policy step towards addressing the dual challenges of malnutrition and educational disparity in southern Punjab. By providing milk to over 400,000 children, the initiative has the potential to enhance child health, support cognitive development, and increase school attendance particularly among low-income communities. Its integrated recycling component further reflects a forward-looking approach to sustainability and environmental education. However, to maximize its impact, the program must evolve beyond its current design. The limited nutritional value of plain milk, logistical hurdles in distribution, and questions of long-term financial viability pose real risks to effectiveness and scalability. Without fortified food options or dietary diversification, the program may fall short of addressing the full spectrum of nutritional deficiencies. In addition, reliance on fresh milk in areas lacking cold chain infrastructure increases the risk of spoilage and wastage, potentially undermining both health and cos-efficiency.

The success of the program ultimately depends on robust monitoring, data collection, and active community involvement. Strengthening partnerships with the private sector, development organizations, and waste management firms could provide the necessary support to overcome current challenges. With strategic improvements and sustained investment, the program has the potential to become a model for school-based nutrition interventions nationwide.

References: FAO; World Bank; World Food Program; SDPI; PARC; Pakistan Dairy Association

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

The writers are affiliated with the Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Pak-Korea Nutrition Center, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. For corresponding, please contact khalid450@uaf.edu.pk 

Writers acknowledge the support provided by the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) and University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

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