The School Feeding Programme is a crucial part of the education sector - says Education Minister Shawn Edward.

The Minister argues that ensuring students are adequately fed will lead to their success in the classroom and ultimate success in society. Edward implores cooks to not take their roles in preparing students for the future for granted.

“The education system can only be successful when we deliver to society children of a particular quality who will make a difference in their communities and by extension to society. So the little child who comes to you for a little plate of food at lunchtime and you serve that child, don't take it lightly. But you can only serve the children well if you show them love,” the Minister said.

Chief Education Officer, Beverly Dieudonne, adds her voice to the praise, noting the contributions of ancillary staff.

“Many times we take our ancillary workers for granted and we don't realize that our ancillary workers are some of the most important workers in our school. So I applaud you and I want you to give yourselves a round of applause,” she said.

Hon. Edward announced an increase in the budgetary allocation for the National School Feeding Programme.

He explained that the Ministry will meet with schools to decide how to best distribute these funds across schools in the country.

“After we met with the Prime Minister, he increased the allocation for the School Feeding Programme for this financial year. So when we end the budget debate month in April, the Ministry of Education is getting more money for school feeding.”

The Minister's comments were made during a conference of Ministry officials and school cooks.