Riyadh – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a contribution of 300 metric tons of dates from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be provided to Sri Lankan children. Provided through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, the dates will be served to primary grade children enrolled in the country's national school meal programme.

 

The contribution was acknowledged at a signing event between the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Sri Lanka and the World Food Programme. 

 

Sri Lankan children were among those most affected by the impacts of the country's economic downfall in 2022, where lost jobs and reduced incomes have made it harder for families to access nutritious meals. Through this contribution, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia joins international communities in supporting the nation's recovery, particularly in improving nutrition and building its human capital.

 

'In times of crises, it is often children who are among those hardest hit,' said Gerard Rebello, Country Director a.i., WFP Sri Lanka. 'We are grateful for the support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in diversifying the food children receive through the school meal programme.'

 

The national school meal programme is designed to fulfil up to one third of a child's daily nutrients, making it a lifeline for many families. Substituting 20% of a household's cost of a nutritious diet, the meals provide real value to poor communities leaving them better able to afford healthy food.  The nutrient-rich dates will be served as a complementary fruit at the end of a hot meal comprising rice and curry. Packed with vitamins, fibre and protein, the dates help meet a child's energy requirements, needed for them to learn and play.