Students to get healthy fruit bars in schools

LAHORE: The Punjab Food Authority, in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, launched nutritious fruit bars for schoolchildren to address child malnutrition.

This initiative falls under the vision of the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who is emphasizing better growth and health for young students.

PFA’s Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid said children cannot show good academic and physical performance until they are adequately nourished. He emphasized that parents, teachers, and students need to be trained regarding good eating practices in the modern world. Modern communication strategies are being planned in order to inspire children toward nutritious foods.

Under the ongoing Chief Minister’s School Meal Program, 20,000 children across 70 schools are already being served meals comprising 480 calories each. The program comprises pre- and post-screening of the children’s weight, height, and body mass index. A Phase 2 nutrition report will be issued based on these assessments.

Emphasizing the importance of healthy snacking, DG PFA noted that most available snacks in the market fail to meet the nutritional requirements of children.

Incorporating nutritious fruit bars for schoolchildren into their diet helps to fill dietary gaps in their systems. He said that replacing regular snacks with fruit bars is a major stride toward improving child nutrition.