Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the Morning Nutrition Program in selected government schools in collaboration with the Akshaya Patra Foundation, aiming to provide nutritious meals to children to support their energy and learning. The launch marks a continuation of the Foundation’s six years of dedicated service in promoting child nutrition.
The initiative aligns with national nutrition goals under PM POSHAN and the National Food Security Act, ensuring healthy food becomes a public movement and a cornerstone for the well-being of future generations.
Morning Nutrition Program: Ensuring Healthy Start for Schoolchildren
The Morning Nutrition Program is designed to complement the existing mid-day meal scheme by offering nutritious breakfast to young students when they arrive at school. CM Gupta highlighted the importance of providing children with sufficient energy for learning, saying, “Nutrition is crucial for school-going children, and this initiative ensures that children start their day with a healthy meal.”
The program also reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for comprehensive child nutrition across the country.
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Collaborative Efforts and Dignitaries
The launch event was attended by senior BJP leader Shyam Jaju, Akshaya Patra Foundation’s National President Bharatrshabh Das, Vice President Chanchalapati Das, and Delhi Municipal Corporation Education Committee Chairperson Yogesh Verma.
This public-private partnership underscores the Delhi government’s commitment to supporting sustainable nutrition initiatives in schools, especially for young children.
Previous Initiatives: Atal Canteen Scheme
Earlier, in December 2025, the Delhi government launched the Atal Canteen Scheme, offering nutritious meals to the public at just ₹5. The first phase included 45 canteens across Delhi, providing affordable, high-quality food to residents. On the inauguration day, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, CM Rekha Gupta, and Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood purchased the first meal tokens and participated in the program, signaling the government’s commitment to public welfare.
CM Gupta emphasized, “While the government spends nearly ₹30 per meal, citizens get nutritious meals at just ₹5. Our aim is to ensure that no one in Delhi goes hungry.”
Impact on Children and Community
The Morning Nutrition Program ensures that children have a strong and healthy start to their school day, enhancing concentration and overall learning outcomes. By providing breakfast in addition to the mid-day meal, the initiative addresses child nutrition comprehensively.
Residents and students participating in the Atal Canteen Scheme have expressed satisfaction, noting that meals including dal, rice, vegetables, roti, and pickles are both affordable and nutritious.
Strengthening National Nutrition Goals
This initiative, along with programs like PM POSHAN and Atal Canteen, reflects Delhi’s commitment to nutrition as a national priority, ensuring the next generation grows up healthy, energized, and ready to contribute to India’s development. By integrating public-private efforts, Delhi sets a model for combining government support and NGO expertise to tackle child malnutrition effectively.
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