GOVERNMENT EXPANDS SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM TO BENEFIT 4.7 MILLION LEARNERS

 The Ministry of Education has announced a significant expansion of the Home Grown School Meals Programme, aiming to reach 4.7 million learners in 2025—more than double the 2.3 million beneficiaries in 2024. Over K500 million has been allocated to the initiative, which is designed to enhance child nutrition and improve school attendance across the country.

The programme, which provides nutritious meals to school children, will now extend its coverage from 70 districts to 106, marking one of the most extensive expansions in recent years.

Speaking on EduTalkZone, the Ministry’s official platform, Director of School Health and Nutrition Malalu Mulundika hailed the development as a transformative step in the education sector.

“This expansion is a game-changer. It ensures that more children, especially in underserved communities, stay in school, remain healthy, and have the energy to learn,” Mulundika said.

In addition to school feeding, the Ministry is also scaling up efforts to support female learners by addressing menstrual health challenges. Mulundika revealed that the government allocates K35 million annually for the procurement of sanitary towels for girls in Grades 7 to 12 at Government and Community schools.

“Our goal is to eliminate barriers that keep girls out of school. Access to sanitary products is crucial in achieving that,” she said.

Despite ongoing funding constraints, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive and equitable education system, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.