Milo energises B40 pupils with free breakfast

MORE than 35,000 pupils from B40 families in 700 primary schools across the country have begun receiving breakfast sets under Projek Kantin Milo.

Distribution of the free breakfast sets began late last year and continued into the new school session beginning March 1 this year.

Under the programme, worth RM3mil, the pupils will receive wholesome breakfast meals paired with Milo UHT drinks – totalling more than one million sets – over a period of 20 schooling days for free.

The meals are prepared by canteen operators of the respective schools who are also subsidised under the programme, set up in response to the socioeconomic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on schools and communities.

The nutrition assistance programme was initiated by Milo in partnership with the Education Ministry as part of Nestlé Malaysia’s wider effort to offer relief and nourishment to the nation during the ongoing pandemic.

Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad Group Corporate Affairs executive director Datuk Adnan Pawanteh said Projek Kantin Milo is unique in its two-pronged approach.

“Not only does it provide nutritious breakfasts to pupils, but the monetary subsidies also go towards helping canteen operators who are directly affected due to extended periods of school closures,” he said.

Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad Milo Business Unit business executive officer Ng Su Yen said Projek Kantin Milo highlights healthy breakfast habits as a critical component of maintaining good nutrition, particularly now when there are families struggling to provide basic necessities including food.

“We hope our contribution through Projek Kantin Milo will relieve some of the burdens that the families of our beneficiaries have had to bear,” she added.

Education deputy director-general (school operation sector) Adzman Talib commended both Nestlé and Milo for contributing to the nation’s concerted effort to rebound from the pandemic.

“Nutrition among school-goers sits at the core of our Covid-19 recovery efforts. Projek Kantin Milo complements our longstanding initiative through the Supplemental Food Plan for deserving children.

“Subsidies provided to the canteen operators also go a long way towards improving the quality and safety of food served to our children,” he said.

Shot in the arm: (from left) ng, adnan, azman and Education daily School Management division Planning and Operations Sector senior deputy director Raisin Saidin at the Projek Kantin Milo mock cheque presentation ceremony.