The Punjab Food Authority (PFA), in collaboration with UNICEF, has officially launched the second phase of its School Nutrition Program — an initiative aimed at improving children’s health through better dietary habits.
The decision to expand follows encouraging results from the first phase, which saw noticeable improvements in students’ awareness about healthy eating.
In a recent consultative session between PFA and UNICEF officials, Muneer Hussain Chopra, PFA’s Director of Planning & Coordination, discussed the program’s achievements so far.
Chopra noted that the initial phase not only helped in increasing students’ knowledge about balanced diets but also inspired several schools to introduce healthier food options in their canteens.
UNICEF officials restated their commitment, praising the PFA’s structured approach and pledging continued support. Both parties agreed that the next phase must be more goal-oriented, and it will have a wider reach, stronger community engagement and targeted interventions for children most at risk.
Way to tackle Nutritional Deficiencies Head-On
Asim Javaid, Director General of PFA, shared sobering statistics: around 25% of children in Punjab suffer from zinc deficiency, while 30% face iron deficiency. These nutritional gaps are the real cause of
- Stunted growth
- Weakened immunity
- Poor academic performance
- long-term health complications
Javaid kept on stressing that the expanded program will focus on teaching students about nutrition and ensuring access to safe, diverse, and nutrient-rich food. “We cannot fight malnutrition through awareness alone — it requires practical, sustainable solutions that reach every child,” Javaid said.
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From Awareness to Action
Under the new phase, PFA’s team of trained nutritionists will visit schools more frequently, conducting interactive workshops, cooking demonstrations and fun educational activities designed to make nutrition relatable to children. Training sessions will be extended to teachers and parents, ensuring that the message reaches both homes and classrooms.
Awareness campaigns are going to show the immense vitality of micronutrients such as
- Iron
- Zinc
- Vitamin A
Moreover, it will promote dietary diversity by encouraging the inclusion of fruits, vegetables, pulses, dairy products, and fortified foods in daily meals.
UNICEF representatives have shown appreciation for the best leadership of PAF, and they called Punjab’s approach a potential model for other provinces. They kept on emphasizing that tackling malnutrition is not just a government responsibility but a shared mission involving schools, parents, food producers, and policymakers.
The second phase is intended for long-term sustainability by encouraging partnerships with
- Local farmers
- Food safety authorities
- Health departments
If it becomes successful, then it is expected that it will help shift Punjab’s nutritional landscape for generations to come.