Riyadh: The Ministry of Education has said that there will be no increase in the price of food in school canteens this academic year. In the context of the reports that there is an increase in prices in the food market, the Ministry’s Under Secretary Dr. Nasser Al Shaalan has assured in this regard. He clarified that there is a provision in the agreement signed with the canteen operators under the supervision of the Ministry of Education to maintain this year’s price of food distributed in school canteens in line with the current market value without any increase.
The Ministry ensures the commitment of canteen contractors to child health through principals, school health directors and nutrition supervisors in education departments. The work is being done in coordination with the staff of the Ministry of Health. A scheme has been devised to involve families who can provide better food service in school food distribution. This is a project with special permission from the Ministry.
Dr. said that a certain percentage of the income of the school canteens is earmarked for free meals for students with financial needs. Shaalan confirmed. The Ministry has also prepared several other initiatives for deserving students. Takaful Charity Foundation’s ‘Wajibati’ (My Meal) is prominent among these. This is a scheme that provides free meals to deserving students. He also revealed that a well-known company in the food sector has offered free meals to schools in remote areas, especially in the border areas of Saudi Arabia.