Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launches ‘morning nutrition program’ for school children

New Delhi: Nutrition goes beyond food and plays a fundamental role in nation-building, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Saturday.Speaking at the launch of the ‘Morning Nutrition Programme’ organized by NGO Akshaya Patra Foundation, she said the program will provide energy and nutrition to children at the beginning of the day.“The smiling faces of school children are proof that nutrition is not just about food but is the foundation upon which the future is built,” Gupta said.She said the Delhi government is firmly behind the organization and will extend its full support to this noble endeavour.The Chief Minister said the mid-day meal scheme has connected millions of children to schools and contributed significantly to their physical and mental development.“Going forward, the morning nutrition program will provide children with energy and nutrients at the start of the day, allowing them to actively participate in learning, sports and other activities,” she said.According to officials, Akshaya Patra Foundation works with nearly 200 Delhi government schools and is currently providing meals to around 90,000 children.Gupta said the meals are prepared and delivered through four state-of-the-art kitchens in the capital to ensure timely distribution.“No one should sleep hungry. The Delhi government is providing Rs 5 meals through Atal Canteens to workers, vulnerable groups, patient caretakers and other vulnerable groups. The government aims to provide meals to 1 lakh people every day,” she said.The Chief Minister said that the target is to set up 100 Atal canteens across the city, of which 71 are already operational.