There has been a significant increase in demand for Meliha milk at a school in Sharjah, leading to frequent shortages in the school's cafeteria. Similar requests have been made by other educational institutions across the UAE, urging for its availability in their cafeterias. The Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Establishment, operating under the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, has provided its organic and safe products to Creative Science Schools as part of the 'Baba Sultan Healthy Food Ambassadors' program.
However, the initial supply was inadequate due to the enthusiastic response from students. Maja Hussein, the principal of American School of Creative Science, told Khaleej Times: "We began with 60 packs, then raised it to 100 daily. Yet, we still require more stock." She further added: "The milk sells out during the first and second breaks, and by the third break, students still ask for it, but it’s already unavailable."
Students have praised the milk's taste, with many mentioning that their families also buy it for home use. Approximately 70 percent of the school’s students are Emirati nationals, emphasizing the product's local appeal.
Dr Engineer Khalifa Al-Tunaiji, Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock in Sharjah, noted the growing demand, stating: "We are inundated with requests for our milk from various educational institutions across the UAE, including schools and universities, as they aim to offer healthy nutrition to their students." He continued: "Our strategy for organic food security supports the cultivation of healthy eating habits among school students and the broader community." Dr Khalifa Al-Tunaiji also highlighted that the organic and safe products they supply help mitigate diet-related health issues by promoting sustainable and nutritious dietary habits to safeguard future generations.
The program was officially inaugurated at the American School of Creative Science in Sharjah and is set to be rolled out across multiple schools in the emirate. The launch event was graced by Dr Engineer Khalifa Musabah Al-Tunaiji, CEO of SAFCO, Salah Bukhatir, CEO and Founder of Bukhatir Education Advancement and Management (BEAM), and several other prominent officials. This initiative aligns with the vision of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has emphasized the importance of student health and well-being.
The 'Healthy Food' program, launched under the 'Baba Sultan Healthy Food Ambassadors' initiative, aims to instill the significance of a nutritious and safe diet among students. Organized by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock in partnership with the Sharjah Private Education Authority, the program utilizes educational ambassadors to enhance awareness and promote healthy eating practices across schools in Sharjah.
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