Gov�t Introduces Eggs, Fruits And Vegetables In Schools

Baboki Kayawe | Monday September 18, 2017 16:06

 

These supplemented food items such as milk and bread, which were introduced in addition to foods such as beans and soft porridge which learners have been consuming historically. Though the new development was planned for 2018/2019 financial year to complement the ongoing supplementary feeding given to primary school pupils, districts have been advised to start procurement now if they have money for the farm produce.

According to Masego Ramakgati, spokesperson of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (under which the primary school feeding programme falls), the feeding augmentation is to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition among primary school pupils who are a target group vulnerable to malnutrition.

“This is a continuous process that seeks to improve the supplementary feeding and empower local farmers,” he said.

Ramakgati added government has approved P455 million for the supplementary feeding programme this financial year.  Within this budget, Council will prioritise and procure food commodities depending on availability, he explained.

The ministry says more food items will be added as and when necessary and subject to availability of funding. The ultimate objective is to provide pupils with a balanced and nutritious meal to curb and minimise the possibility of malnutrition, said Ramakgati.

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has implemented the school-feeding programme continuously for more than four decades.

Though initially included as part of the World Food Programme (WFP), the programme was fully taken over by the government in 1998 and has since transitioned from WFP support to government support.