Gov’t reaffirms commitment to improve nutrition under School Feeding Programme

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the nutritional standards of meals provided through the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP). Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, emphasized the importance of nutrition training and capacity building for catering staff during a tour of GSFP nutrition training centres across the Greater Accra Region.

The tour included visits to several key locations such as the East Nima Presby Church, the Kayaye Centre in Madina, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Assembly Hall, and the Asofan Presby Church in Ga North Municipality. Accompanied by Hajia Fati Forgor, the National Coordinator of the GSFP, and Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Lartey stressed the program's shift towards ensuring children receive balanced diets that support their growth, health, and learning.

She commended Hajia Forgor and the GSFP management for prioritizing nutrition and affirmed the programme's goal of providing meals that meet nutritional standards. The World Bank and the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research are providing support for these training efforts, which aim to improve caterers' skills in nutrition, food safety, and hygiene.

Dr Lartey urged caterers to apply their training knowledge both in school settings and at home, emphasizing the importance of protecting children's health and well-being. The initiative seeks to bolster GSFP caterers' capacities, ensuring that the meals served in public basic schools are not only safe but also nutritious, supporting pupils' overall development.