Dhaka:The government is exploring alternative food delivery models for school feeding, including options such as coupon-based distribution and cooked meals, while maintaining the current programme, according to State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bobby Hajjaj noted that approximately three million students currently receive food each day through the programme. He emphasized the government's focus on ensuring the nutritional value, food safety, quality, and accountability of the food provided without interrupting the ongoing operations.
During a meeting with a delegation led by World Food Programme (WFP) Bangladesh Resident Representative and Country Director Coco Ushiyama, Hajjaj discussed the necessity of conducting feasibility assessments, pilot projects, and evaluations before implementing new systems, which could take six months to a year. He highlighted the impracticality of suspending the existing programme while alternatives are being explored and stressed the importance of continuous improvement.
The State Minister also mentioned that the tenure of eight out of 26 procurement packages under the current programme had expired. The government is considering extending existing tenders and potentially inviting new ones. Additionally, he underscored the need to enhance food safety, nutritional quality, and the efficiency of transportation, storage, and monitoring systems.
The WFP delegation proposed a rapid review of the programme, focusing on nutritional value, food safety, and operational capacity at the field level, while offering technical assistance and expert support. The delegation also expressed interest in sharing international best practices from countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and India, and highlighted the potential benefits of involving local farmers to support both student nutrition and the local economy.
The meeting was also attended by WFP Head of Programme Jesse Wood along with other officials from the WFP and the ministry.