The CM Punjab School Meal Program started in September 2024 by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. It helps young children in government schools by giving them free milk daily. This program is made to improve health, fight hunger, and make sure more children go to school. Right now, the program is running in three districts of Punjab. The government hopes that good nutrition will help students learn better and stay healthy. Many students have already benefited, and more will be helped in the future. This program is a big step to support education and child health in poor areas.
Read Also: 8171 Helpline Number – BISP and Ehsaas Program Support 2025
| Feature | Detail |
| Start Date | September 2024 |
| Areas Covered | Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh |
| Milk Pack Size | 175ml per student daily |
| Target Students | Over 400,000 children in government schools |
What the CM Punjab School Meal Program Offers to Students
The CM Punjab School Meal Program provides 175ml milk packs to primary students every school day. The goal is to improve children’s health and encourage them to attend school regularly. At present, this program is active in three areas: Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and Muzaffargarh. More than 400,000 students in 3,527 schools are part of it. Many children in these areas come from poor families and do not get enough food at home. Giving them milk at school helps them stay strong and active. This effort also helps teachers and parents see better school attendance and performance.
Achievements of the School Meal Program So Far
- Increase in Enrollment:
Student enrollment rose from 361,050 to 416,247 — an increase of over 55,000 students. - Milk Packs Distributed:
About 40 million milk packs have been given to children so far. - Money Saved by Government:
The Punjab government saved Rs. 1.78 billion through a clear and honest buying system. - Health Checkups Conducted:
Health checkups were done for 10,000 students in the program. - Support for Weak Students:
700 children found to be very weak from hunger were given special care and support. - Positive Impact of Program:
These results show the program is truly helping children live healthier, better lives.
Expansion Plans for the School Meal Program in Punjab
Because the program has been so successful, the Punjab government plans to expand it. The next step is to start the program in more districts of South Punjab. Many of these areas are far away and do not get enough support. The goal is to make sure that even more children, especially in remote areas, get healthy meals and stay in school. The government wants to make sure every child in Punjab has a fair chance to be healthy and get an education. These efforts show that the program is growing in a good direction.
Read Also: Summer Vacations 2025 in Punjab: Complete Schedule and Details
Eco-Friendly Recycling and School Facility Improvement
To keep the environment clean, students are asked to return empty milk packs. These used packs are sent for recycling. The money earned from recycling will be used to improve schools. For example, schools can buy better chairs, clean water systems, or build clean toilets. This idea also teaches students to care about nature.
- Children learn how to recycle waste in a useful way.
- Schools earn extra money to make student life better.
This eco-friendly step connects health, education, and environmental care, making the program even more valuable for everyone.
Nutrition Education and Community Support
The Punjab government also wants to teach students about nutrition. Plans are in place to add basic food and health lessons in the school books. Students will learn about balanced diets and healthy habits. When children understand what food is good for them, they can stay healthy for life. Community support is also very important. Departments like the Punjab Food Authority gave lunchboxes from their own money. Also, schools have special teams to check if the program is running smoothly. These steps help students, teachers, and the whole community work together.
Conclusion
In this article, we are sharing all the details about the CM Punjab School Meal Program. This program gives milk to primary students to help with their health and school attendance. So far, it has helped over 400,000 students, and more children will benefit in the coming years. The government also cares about the environment and is teaching students good eating habits. With help from many people, this program is making schools better and lives healthier. This effort is not only feeding children but also shaping a stronger, brighter future for Punjab.
FAQs
How often do students get milk in the CM Punjab School Meal Program?
Students receive a 175ml pack of milk every school day, which helps improve their nutrition and health.
Are only government schools included in the meal program?
Yes, at this time, the program is only for students studying in government primary schools in selected districts.
Can other provinces follow the same program in the future?
While this program is only in Punjab for now, it can be used as a model by other provinces to improve student health and education.
How does the recycling part of the program help schools?
Empty milk packs are collected and recycled, and the money earned is used to improve school buildings and supplies.