WITH the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) repeatedly announcing plans to increase the school feeding programme if it is elected to form the next Government, the current Administration has moved to highlight the work it has been doing.

In a release on Wednesday, the Ministry of Education announced that it will be investing more than $1 billion to provide breakfast for approximately 69,000 students under the National School Learning and Intervention Plan (NSLIP).

According to the ministry, this initiative is a major expansion of its support programmes, and is aimed at ensuring that students are properly nourished, thereby improving academic performance and reducing absenteeism.

NSLIP was introduced to guide curriculum management and learning recovery efforts following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister of Education Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon highlighted that the expanded breakfast programme is a strategic approach to tackling absenteeism.

“We believe that providing breakfast will directly improve school attendance, particularly for students who stay home due to the lack of basic nutritional support.

“Our research shows that meeting students’ fundamental needs translates into better attendance and improved learning outcomes. We are working closely with teachers, families, and students to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to succeed,” Morris Dixon said in news release.

She was supported by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Dr Kasan Troupe, who emphasised the critical link between nutrition and student achievement.

“We know that students who are properly nourished perform better. This injection of funds will complement the ongoing National School Feeding Programme and National Products Limited (NPL) snack programme, which provides nutritious meals to students across public schools,” said Troupe.

“Every student in these NSLIP schools will now benefit from breakfast daily. While the overall cost runs into billions, it is a worthwhile investment in the future of our children. We are also inviting our partners in manufacturing and food distribution to join this important national effort. The success of education will require partnership, and ensuring the nutritional needs of our students is fundamental,” added Troupe.

The ministry said the investment in the breakfast programme reflects its unwavering commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive education system, ensuring that no child is left behind due to hunger.

Senior officials of the PNP have repeatedly called for an increase in the allocation to provide meals to students.

In his presentation to the 2025/26 Budget Debate PNP president and Opposition Leader Mark Golding said his party is committed to providing a daily lunch meal at primary and secondary school for all children who need it.

“We commit to extending this daily breakfast, thereafter. This will help to ease the financial burden on parents and guardians. We are championing change by cushioning the cost of living crisis,” said Golding.

That echoed a commitment from the party’s spokesman on finance Julian Robinson who, in his Budget presentation, said the PNP is committing to introducing an Ensuring Adequate Sustenance for Education (EASE) Programme.

Robinson said this programme will be a real solution to ease the financial pressure on parents while ensuring that no child in Jamaica has to learn on an empty stomach.

“The EASE Programme will guarantee that every needy student from primary to secondary school receives one nutritious meal per day at school, with a long-term plan to expand to include breakfast as well.

“This is a solution that will put money back in the pockets of parents who are already struggling with the rising cost of living. With this initiative, parents will no longer have to worry about finding lunch money every morning. That extra money can now go towards food at home, bills, and other critical household expenses,” said Robinson.