Punjab Food Commission pushes for nutritious Mid-Day meals and improved food security

Jalandhar News: Chairman Punjab State Food Commission, Bal Mukand Sharma today reviewed the implementation of the National Food Security Act at grass route level during a meeting held at the district administrative complex wherein he outlined strategies to ensure better nutrition for children and efficient public food distribution.

Highlighting the importance of the Mid-Day Meal Program, Mr. Sharma directed the Education Department to establish kitchen gardens in government schools. He explained that these gardens would teach students organic farming while enhancing their meals with fresh, nutritious food. Currently, 1,434 schools in the district serve free meals to 1,30,683 students under the program.

The Chairman also stressed the need for joint sampling of food grains while recommending adding fruits and vegetables to meqls to further diversify the nutrition quality. The Health Department was asked to launch awareness campaigns on basic health hygiene for children.

The Chairman also reviewed nutrition program for children below six years provided through Anganwadi centers, directing officials to prioritize quality of food. Additionally, he assessed the public distribution system under the Act, stressing the need for strict compliance to ensure food grains reach all beneficiaries. “Stringent action to be taken against those attempting to deny beneficiaries their rightful food,” he warned.
The chairman also directed the departments to display the commission’s mobile number 9876764545 in their offices.
Later, Mr. Sharma, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, visited the Adampur Block to inspect the public distribution system and gather feedback from beneficiaries, reiterating the government’s commitment to food security and improved health indicators.