By: George Osei Akoto Addae (Teacher Kojo)
The Deputy National Coordinator of the School Feeding Program, Hon. Faustina Naa L. Lamprey, has charged school authorities and caterers under the program to prioritise the health and well-being of school Children by ensuring the provision of nutritious and hygienic meals.
Speaking to the media during a working visit to selected schools in the Eastern Region—including Adoagyiri Presbyterian Basic School, Adoagyiri Methodist Basic School, Akwamu Amanfrom Presbyterian School, and Kofisah M/A Basic School—Hon. Lamprey emphasised that the quality of food served to pupils directly impacts their growth, learning outcomes, and overall health.
The visit formed part of a monitoring exercise to assess the implementation of the School Feeding Program during the first week of the new academic term, particularly to ensure that caterers had commenced feeding as scheduled.
According to her, it has become a worrying trend for both pupils and caterers to delay their return at the start of the term, resulting in a lack of meals despite government provisions.
She stressed that such practices undermine the objectives of the program, which is designed not only to improve child nutrition but also to boost school attendance and retention.
“It has been the norm that in the first week of reopening, children do not report significant numbers, and caterers also fail to cook, even though the government has made adequate food supplies available,” she noted. “We believe that if food is readily available in schools, children will be encouraged to attend from day one.”
Hon. Lamprey further urged school heads to actively supervise caterers and ensure strict adherence to menu guidelines, food safety standards, and portion requirements.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the School Feeding Programme and ensuring that every child benefits from a healthy meal in a safe and conducive learning environment.
www.ahototoroline.com/oseiakotor1@gmail.com