BY BEN BILUA
GIZO
The Director of Western Provincial Health and Medical Authority, Dickson Boara, has emphasised that school meals are far more than just food — they are a critical tool for learning, health and community resilience.
Speaking during the launch of the Nutrition Improvement through School Meals project, Boara said nutritious school meals can help address Solomon Islands’ growing health challenges, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, undernutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies.
“The Solomon Islands faces a triple burden of malnutrition, and this program offers a vital opportunity to reduce that burden by improving dietary intake, food literacy, and nutrition equity among school-aged children,” he said.
Boara added that well-nourished children are more likely to attend school regularly, concentrate in class, and perform better academically.
He stated that this is not just a health initiative but a development strategy.
On this note, Boara applauds the collaboration between the Ministries of Health, Education, and Agriculture, along with support from the Government of Japan and UNICEF.
He said the Healthy School Setting approach, aligned with the National Food Security, Food Safety and Nutrition Policy (2024–2033), highlights schools as powerful platforms to shape lifelong healthy habits.
Boara said provincial health officers are now mobilizing to support the initiative through promotion and awareness activities.
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