Over 35,000 students are to benefit from an initiative that promotes balanced nutrition and supports Maltese producers, the Government has said.
The Government has announced that it is expanding the school fruit and vegetable distribution scheme to include, for the first time, local fresh milk. This initiative involves an investment of €1,254,400 (excluding VAT) over a two-year period.
This initiative was announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Anton Refalo, and Minister for Education and Sport, Byron Camilleri. It aims to continue promoting healthy eating habits among children and young people, while creating new opportunities for local milk producers.
It was explained that the scheme will reach over 25,000 students in primary schools and approximately 10,000 students in secondary schools. In primary schools, each student will receive six portions of milk per month, while in secondary schools, one portion per month will be distributed to each student.
The Ministers said that when the cost of distributing fruit and vegetables under the same scheme is added to the investment in local fresh milk, the total investment over two years reaches €3,763,200, excluding VAT.
Minister Anton Refalo stated that this initiative combines two important objectives: improving children’s nutrition and strengthening local agricultural production.
Minister Byron Camilleri emphasised the importance of encouraging children and students to adopt a healthier lifestyle, alongside receiving a quality education.
The initiative also presents an opportunity for the local dairy sector, as the distribution of Maltese products in schools is expected to generate additional demand and further strengthen the link between local agricultural production and consumers, the Minister said.
The two Ministers reiterated the importance of collaboration between Ministries, schools, and local producers, ensuring that such initiatives continue to yield tangible benefits for children, families, and the Maltese agricultural sector.
Photo: DOI