Describing the education sector as one of the key drivers of economic growth, Opposition Spokesman on Finance and the Public Service, Julian Robinson says a future People’s National Party (PNP) Government would ensure one meal per day for every needy student to enable them to learn.

He gave the commitment on Thursday as he made his contribution to the 2025/26 Budget Debate at Gordon House.

The meals would be provided under what Robinson called the Ensuring Adequate Sustenance for Education (EASE) programme.

He said EASE was “a solution for cost of living pressures,” while noting that “one of the biggest financial burdens on struggling Jamaican families is the daily cost of sending their children to school—not just bus fare, but lunch money”.

“Many parents simply cannot afford it. And for too many children, this means inconsistent attendance or going to school hungry, unable to focus, unable to learn, and ultimately unable to achieve their full potential,” Robinson said.

He said the programme would ensure no child is forced to learn on an empty stomach. He also noted that the PATH programme does not cover every needy child.