The Government of Balochistan has launched a Rs. 1.58 billion School Meal Program for primary school students in Quetta, aiming to improve child nutrition and support better health outcomes among school-going children.
The initiative is being introduced on a pilot basis and forms part of the province’s broader strategy to address nutrition challenges and strengthen public health services.
Rs. 315.9 Million Allocated This Year
According to official documents, the:
🍽️ School Meal Program for Students of Primary Schools in Quetta
has a total estimated cost of:
💰 Rs. 1.579 billion
Of this amount:
💵 Rs. 315.9 million
has been allocated for the current financial year.
Officials said the program is designed to improve access to nutritious meals for primary school students and encourage healthier learning environments.
Part of Broader Nutrition and Health Initiatives
The school meal scheme is one of several nutrition-focused projects currently being implemented in the province.
Other major initiatives include:
Comprehensive Maternal and Child Health Program
- Total Cost: Rs. 2 billion
- Current Allocation: Rs. 228.8 million
WASH Facilities in Schools Project
- Total Cost: Rs. 2 billion
- Current Allocation: Rs. 200 million
The project aims to improve:
🚰 Water supply
🧼 Sanitation facilities
🧴 Hygiene infrastructure in schools
Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Facility
- Location: Eastern Bypass, Quetta
- Total Cost: Rs. 400 million
- Current Allocation: Rs. 200 million
Focus on Improving Child Health and Nutrition
Officials said these initiatives are part of Balochistan’s wider development strategy focused on:
✅ Child nutrition
✅ Maternal and newborn health
✅ School-based interventions
✅ Water and sanitation infrastructure
✅ Preventive healthcare measures
The provincial government has identified nutrition and child health as priority areas, particularly in underserved communities.
Supporting Education Through Nutrition
Authorities believe that providing nutritious meals in schools can contribute to:
📚 Better student attendance
🧠 Improved concentration and learning outcomes
💪 Better physical growth and development
🏫 Stronger school participation among children
Officials said the school meal program represents an important step toward strengthening public health indicators and improving educational outcomes through targeted nutrition interventions in Balochistan.
