Malaysian schoolkids to receive free breakfast sets with MILO
Nestlé Malaysia, part of the world’s largest food and beverage manufacturer, is providing more than 1 million nutritious breakfast sets under “Projek Kantin MILO” to more than 35,000 deserving students in 700 primary schools across the country. The nutrition assistance programme was initiated by MILO, the leading malt beverage supplied in Malaysia in partnership with the Ministry of Education.
Projek Kantin MILO is a direct response to the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 on schools and communities: over a period of 20 schooling days, the programme will see students in need provided with wholesome breakfast meals paired with nutritious MILO UHT drinks for free – the drinks are made from malt barley, milk and cocoa, with a nourishing blend of essential vitamins and minerals to help release the energy from food.
“As children return back to school, we continue to spread awareness of breakfast as the most important meal of the day in providing nutrition and energy to start their day right and help them achieve their best potential every day. We hope our contribution through Projek Kantin MILO will relieve some of the burden that the families of our beneficiaries have had to bear as they persevere through these tough times and bounce back stronger,” remarked Ng Su Yen, Business Executive Officer, MILO Business Unit, Nestlé Malaysia.
Projek Kantin MILO is hoped to address healthy breakfast habits as a critical component of maintaining good nutrition, particularly now when there are families struggling to provide basic necessities including food.
Distribution of the free breakfast sets first begun late last year and has continued well into the new school session this year as students returned to face-to-face learning beginning 1 March; the breakfast sets are prepared by canteen school operators of the respective schools who are also subsidised under this programme.
“As the nation steadily rebuilds itself, our purpose of enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future is now more important than ever,” said Dato’ Adnan Pawanteh, Executive Director, Group Corporate Affairs, Nestlé Malaysia. “The approach we have taken for Projek Kantin MILO is unique. Not only does it provide nutritious breakfasts to students, the monetary subsidies go towards helping canteen operators who are directly affected by COVID-19 due to extended periods of school closures in sustaining their businesses and livelihoods, so that they may continue serving the school children.”
Meanwhile, Dato’ Haji Adzman bin Talib, Deputy Director-General (School Operation Sector), Ministry of Education Malaysia commanded both Nestlé and MILO for contributing to the nation’s concerted effort to rebound from COVID-19 and nourish schools in an impactful way.
The contribution through Projek Kantin MILO is estimated to be worth a total of RM3 million (US$724,000). A mock cheque presentation was held to commemorate the partnership with the Ministry of Education Malaysia.
