COVID-19: LASUBEB TRAINS HOMEGROWN SCHOOL FEEDING STAKEHOLDERS ON FOOD HYGIENE PRACTICES
In preparation to restart the social intervention programmes of the Federal Government after the safe re-opening of schools, the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, in collaboration with the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme, has embarked on a five-day training exercise for food vendors, food handlers and critical stakeholders.
Speaking at the commencement of the training programme, the Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Mr. Wahab Alawiye-King stated that the training themed, “Quality Nutrition and Healthy lifestyle During COVID-19” was organised to sensitise stakeholders on effective monitoring of the programme, as well as maintaining proper food hygiene practices in strict adherence to all public health guidelines of COVID-19 in schools.
He explained that the workshop is aimed at teaching food vendors the hygienic and efficient ways of discharging their duties, adding that about 37,589 households of pupils got takehome rations of food items during the lockdown under the Modified Home Grown School Feeding Programme.
The Chairman noted that the application of sound principles of environmental sanitation, personal hygiene and established food safety practices cannot be overemphasised.
Alawiye-King added that free mid-day meals will not only improve the psychological, social, emotional and physical wellbeing of the pupils but also stem the adverse effect of the pandemic on the lives of the vulnerable in society.
While noting that the school feeding has continued to increase enrolment and retention rates of pupils in public primary schools, he applauded the Federal and State Governments for their support to the Board.
The Chairman declared the training open with a charge to the participants to carry out their duties with all sense of care and proper hygiene practices, saying “Let us remember that the war against COVID-19 is not over yet, we must continue to take adequate preventive measures”.
Mr. Bayo Adefuye, Board Member in charge of special projects said that the workshop was organised for the State implementation team, which comprises of officials from Primary Health Care Board, Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Economic Planning and Budget, Six Education Districts with Head of Sections, SUBEB’s Departments of School Support Services and Social Mobilisation, as well as Health officers from all Local Government Education Authorities in Lagos State.
