Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin described the state's breakfast scheme for schoolchildren as a “profitable social investment” during its launch at St. Susaiappar Primary School in Mylapore, Chennai, on Wednesday.

The scheme, providing breakfast to students from classes one to five in government and government-aided schools in urban areas, is being implemented at a cost of Rs 600 crore annually. “This is not an expense but an investment that will yield immense benefits for the Tamil community in the long run,” Stalin said.

The program has now expanded to 2,429 government-aided schools, benefiting an additional 3.06 lakh children. Overall, 20.59 lakh students in 37,416 government and government-aided primary schools across the state now receive hot, nutritious meals each morning.

Stalin highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, saying it has improved children's eating habits, health, attendance, and learning abilities while reducing malnutrition and hospital visits between December 2023 and December 2024.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, present at the event, praised the scheme, noting that healthy breakfasts contribute to better school attendance, academic performance, and overall child health. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi also lauded the program, adding that its success has drawn appreciation from other states and even internationally.

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Director of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, suggested adding five grams of moringa leaf powder daily to further enhance nutrition, preventing anemia and providing protein and calcium.

The event also saw Stalin, Mann, and Udhayanidhi share breakfast with the students, underscoring the scheme's focus on holistic child development.