By LETRE SWEETING
Tribune Staff Reporter
lsweeting@tribunemedia.net
OFFICIALS have defended against recent criticism of the government’s $1m national breakfast programme, saying despite the “naysayers”, the programme has delivered thousands of healthy breakfast meals to students in the country.
Benita Adderley, the programme’s coordinator, said since the programme’s initial launch in October 3rd, 8,894 free breakfast meals have been distributed in New Providence. She added that despite criticism the programme will continue.
“We would like to reiterate that the national school breakfast programme is universal. We feed everybody, not a selected few. Everybody. All students at the pilot schools for this academic year are receiving universal benefits. The breakfast served was received by students, by parents, as well as the school administrators,” she said at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday.
The Ministry of Education launched the first phase of the programme last month for four select schools in New Providence — Columbus Primary, Ridgeland Primary, Sandilands Primary and Albury Sayles Primary.
The second phase of the programme was launched on November 3, for four more schools throughout the Family Island — Cherokee Sound Primary in Abaco, Rolleville Primary in Exuma, Holmes Rock Primary in Grand Bahama, and Old Bight Primary in Cat Island.
However, a number of Facebook users said they were appalled by the breakfasts the ministry served to the Family Island schools.
The ministry shared a post showing the breakfasts served at schools, including a plate of two pancakes served with one sausage link and a maple syrup packet and drinks. Another breakfast option showed a plate of tuna salad and yellow grits and drinks.
Images of some of the meals were circulated on social media -- with some comparing it to “jail food” and human faeces. Numerous users criticised how the food looked - saying it was cold, unpleasant, and too small in portion.
“As a food scientist, I can actually tell you we have evaluated the meals. We can give you the caloric value as well as the nutritive value of every item that we would have selected,” Ms Adderley said yesterday.
“We expected better really, because it’s quite concerning that the news outlets would create a story from something so positive and amplify the negativity of it. It’s such an awesome programme that was extended to eight schools in the country, with the hope to rollout to the entire country.
“We have done a mammoth task to make sure that everything that we offer to our students is at the best level possible. We have done our part. Though disappointed in the release and the statements that were stated on social media, I will not allow that to deter us. It will not stop us.
“We will continue to push forward and provide these students with the best that we have to offer. It is an excellent initiative and we will continue to push forward, despite the naysayers,” Ms Adderley said.
The third phase will expand the breakfast programme to include additional public primary schools nationwide.
Comments
birdiestrachan 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Those who posted and have problems with the food should not allow their children to eate the food it seems all right
bcitizen 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Those who do not like it do not eat it. Do what you did before this program came into force. The food does not look that bad and I am sure to at truly hungry child who is in poverty it is fantastic. If the parents have the means to do better then cook you childs breakfast or send it with them like you do now. People are so sad and petty. The only slight ounce of criticism I can say is maybe they should have a fruit included like a few banana slices or a couple slices of apple. These people need to get a life.
bahamianson 5 months, 2 weeks ago
No one is in poverty in the bahamas. So the government takes care of us , now. How about the government make people more responsible? Girls and boys need to be taught the value of responsibility. They need to be taught about sexual re. Don't have children if you can't afford them. Why should a 32 year old from the shanty town be jobless with 7 children that is irresponsable!!! Now, we the people, have to feed her 7 children. The government of the Bahamas needs to help families but you need an educational program about family planning and responsibility. Every female in the bahamas is not entitled to have 7 children , whom the tax payers have to raise. Boys need to be taught the responsibility of weilding their penis. If you have a child, you need to be responsible and take care of that child. Boys whom run from their responsibility are cowards!! Take care of your children.
GodSpeed 5 months, 2 weeks ago
If you can't afford to feed your children you shouldn't be having children.
Topdude 5 months, 2 weeks ago
A hungry child cannot focus on what is being taught in class. That there are people out there who are against this program is very scary. It is very scary that there are insensitive and uncaring individuals in our society. A hungry child is a frustrated child . The Government is to be congratulated.
ohdrap4 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Sadly this is an uncouth trait, common enough to be cultural.
I avoid participating in any potluck events because people will approach you and give a verdict: 'needs sugar', 'needs salt', or even worse 'I don't like it'.
I always used to thank people for preparing the food and would never reveal if I did not like something.
The program is a start. The tuna is the healthiest option.
ThisIsOurs 5 months, 2 weeks ago
The truth is a desperately hungry man will eat from the garbage.
To the extent that a hungry child had "something", ok, but by no stretch of the imagination can these meals be termed "healthy", and its very easy to tell that the grits is cold, its clearly hardened. Possible that the lunches were packaged elsewhere and delivered in containers as opposed to being served from warming plates.
Im somewhat surprised at the quality as the govt announced this program as one of its shining achievements.
We have to be honest about results and not swallow everything as given. I dont know how much was spent per school per day but is the result reflective of the price paid?
To judge the impact do what Keith Bell did, show up on campus and ask the kids about the food
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