Social Security Minister promises more assistance for School Feeding Programme

By Halshane Burke    

 

Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. has promised greater collaboration between his ministry and the Ministry of Education to provide more assistance for the School Feeding Programme.

 

The minister was responding to concerns raised by Chairman of Montego Bay High School Alicia Archer over the allocation for the programme.

 

Ms. Archer said schools are currently having a challenge meeting the requirements for students on the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH).

 

"With the rising costs in food, we are noticing that the allocation to our noble institution is still the same. So the Board of Management, along with the school administration, has had to apply creative strategies to ensure that our young ladies are fed, but we are still struggling. So I wanted to find out from you, Minister, if there is a collaborative approach between your ministry and the Ministry of Education and Youth to look at the budgetary allocations to see how best more resources can be allocated to our schools," she querried. 

 

The Social Security Minister said a joined-up approach will be taken to ensure that the needs of the students are met. 

 

"We will be having greater collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Youth, as well as the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and even the Ministry of Agriculture. Because in some areas, we are looking on even supplementing the school feeding through the agricultural produce that might be excess produce or other produce based on the area. So yes, yes, and yes," he affirmed, noting that this will be part of a comprehensive review. 

 

Mr. Charles was addressing Thursday's town hall meeting in St. James on the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education.