School Meal Program to 8 More Districts
The Punjab School Meal Program is a major initiative launched by the Government of Punjab to combat malnutrition and encourage school attendance among children in public schools. Under this program, nutritious mid-day meals are provided to students, particularly in primary schools, to improve health, concentration, and academic performance. The program also supports low-income families by reducing the financial burden of daily food costs, making education more accessible for children from underprivileged communities.
In 2025, the Punjab government announced the expansion of the program to 8 additional districts, strengthening its commitment to child welfare and educational development. The initiative follows a structured plan, ensuring that meals meet health standards and are delivered efficiently across participating schools. With growing success in the pilot districts, this expansion aims to bring the benefits of better nutrition and higher school enrollment to thousands more children across the province.
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Why and When Punjab’s School Meal Program Started
The Punjab School Meal Program was officially launched in 2023 as a targeted initiative to fight rising child malnutrition, school dropout rates, and classroom hunger in underprivileged areas. Recognizing that poor nutrition was a key barrier to learning and attendance, the Government of Punjab, in collaboration with education and health departments, introduced free mid-day meals in select public primary schools.
The program was designed to serve a dual purpose: improving children’s physical health and boosting their academic performance. It also aimed to increase enrollment and retention, especially among children from low-income families. Since its launch, the program has shown positive results, prompting the government to expand it to 8 more districts in 2025, with plans for further growth across the province in the coming years.
Expanded Districts for Punjab’s School Meal Program
To improve transparency, the Punjab government plans to hire an independent third-party organization. This move will help prevent misuse of resources. Additionally, it will ensure high-quality meal preparation and fair distribution. By doing so, the government aims to build public trust. Moreover, external monitoring will strengthen oversight across all selected districts. As a result, the program will run more efficiently and fairly, with greater impact.
In response to the program’s initial success, Punjab has now expanded the School Meal Program to 8 additional districts in 2025. These areas have been carefully selected based on factors such as poverty levels, nutritional needs, and school attendance rates. The expansion is part of a broader effort to promote student health, reduce hunger, and improve educational outcomes in underserved regions.
The newly added districts include:
- Dera Ghazi Khan
- Layyah
- Rajanpur
- Mianwali
- Muzaffargarh
- Bhakkar
- Bahawalnagar
- Rahim Yar Khan
These districts represent some of the most economically challenged regions in Punjab, where the introduction of free, nutritious school meals is expected to make a significant positive impact on children’s education and well-being.
Objectives Behind the Expansion
Enhancing Child Nutrition Across More Districts
- Expanding the school meal program aims to provide balanced and nutritious meals to children in more districts, addressing widespread malnutrition.
- This helps improve students’ overall health, concentration, and academic performance by ensuring they receive essential vitamins and minerals daily.
Increasing School Enrollment and Attendance
- The availability of free meals encourages families to enroll their children in school and ensures they attend regularly.
- This incentive reduces barriers to education, especially for children from low-income households, fostering higher attendance rates across the newly included districts.
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Reducing Dropout Rates in Underserved Areas
- By offering consistent nutritional support, the program helps decrease dropout rates caused by hunger and economic hardships.
- Well-nourished students are more likely to stay in school, complete their education, and build a better future, particularly in marginalized communities.
Supporting Low-Income Families Financially
- Providing free meals at school reduces the financial strain on families struggling to afford daily food expenses.
- This support enables parents to allocate limited resources toward other essential needs, improving the overall well-being of the household.
Promoting Equal Educational Opportunities
- The meal scheme fosters equality by ensuring that children from all socio-economic backgrounds have access to nutritious food, leveling the playing field in education.
- This helps bridge gaps caused by poverty and promotes inclusive learning environments.
Strengthening Long-Term Social and Economic Development
- By investing in children’s health and education today, the program contributes to building a more skilled and healthy workforce in the future.
- Improved education outcomes and reduced malnutrition have lasting impacts on economic growth and social stability at both local and provincial levels.
How the Program Benefits Students and Schools
According to the Department of Schools, this year, a budget of 10 billion rupees has been allocated for the Punjab School Meal Program, which has already helped enroll over 55,000 new children in schools. The program ensures that students receive nutritious meals, improving their concentration, energy levels, and academic performance. Well-nourished children are less likely to miss school due to illness or fatigue, leading to higher attendance and active participation.
For schools, this initiative boosts enrollment and reduces dropout rates, creating a more motivated and stable student population. By addressing hunger-related challenges, the program fosters a healthier and more positive learning environment, supporting both educational success and overall community development.
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Eligibility Criteria for Students
To ensure the Punjab School Meal Program reaches those who need it most, specific eligibility criteria have been established for students. Priority is given to children enrolled in public schools within the newly included districts, particularly those from low-income families facing food insecurity. The program focuses on students whose households fall below the poverty line, ensuring support for the most vulnerable
Additionally, children attending schools in rural and underserved areas are prioritized to promote educational inclusion and reduce disparities. Verification through school records and socioeconomic surveys helps maintain transparency and fairness in the selection process, guaranteeing that free meals are delivered to deserving students who benefit most from this vital nutrition support.
Conclusion
The Punjab government has expanded the School Meal Program to eight more districts. This step shows its strong commitment to child nutrition and education. With this expansion, the program now supports thousands of students across underserved areas. So far, it has helped enroll over 55,000 new children in schools. Thanks to a 10 billion rupee budget, students receive free, nutritious meals that boost learning and reduce dropouts. In addition, the program eases the burden on low-income families. As a result, more children attend school regularly. To ensure success, the government plans third-party monitoring for transparency. Ultimately, this initiative will improve education, health, and long-term development in Punjab.
FAQs
Which new districts are included in the Punjab School Meal Program expansion?
The program now covers Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Rajanpur, Mianwali, Muzaffargarh, Bhakkar, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan.
Who is eligible to receive free meals under this program?
Students enrolled in public schools, especially those from low-income families and vulnerable communities, are eligible.
How does the program improve school enrollment?
By offering free nutritious meals, the program encourages families to enroll their children and attend school regularly.
What impact does the meal program have on students’ health and education?
It enhances child nutrition, boosts concentration, reduces illness-related absences, and lowers dropout rates.
How is the program monitored to ensure transparency?
The government plans to engage third-party agencies for independent monitoring to maintain quality and prevent misuse.
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