Winter School Lunch Guidelines have been officially released across Punjab due to increasing complaints of throat infections, stomach discomfort, and weak immunity among students during cold mornings. Education authorities have instructed parents to send warm, nutritious items instead of chilled or cold lunches to help prevent seasonal flu.

Several schools reported multiple absentee cases after students consumed cold snacks early morning, leading to sore throat and fever.

❓ Why Were School Lunch Guidelines Updated? (Punjab Winter School Advisory)

Doctors confirm that cold air reduces immunity in the respiratory tract. When combined with:

• Frozen snacks
• Ice-cold juices
• Chilled drinks
• Fried oily items

…the risk of flu, cough, and bronchitis increases.
This led the Provincial Education Board to issue a new lunch advisory for all educational institutions.

Parents must avoid giving refrigerated snacks early morning to protect children from dangerous temperature fluctuations.

Read Also: Punjab Schools Introduce Indoor Classroom Break Policy 2025 Due to Smog & Cold Weather

✅ What Food Items Are Recommended for Winter Lunch? (Healthy School Lunch Punjab)

Health experts suggest sending:

• Warm chapati with homemade curry
• Boiled eggs
• Grilled sandwiches
• Chickpeas (chana)
• Dry fruits
• Nuts/trail mix
• Dates

These foods provide:

✅ Natural warmth
✅ High nutrients
✅ Boosted immunity

School canteens are also advised to serve warm snacks instead of frozen items.

🍜 Hot Drinks Recommended for Cold Weather (Warm School Beverage Punjab)

Warm beverages help maintain inner body temperature and reduce mucus buildup. Excellent options include:

• Hot chocolate milk
• Warm tea (for older students)
• Boiled milk with cinnamon
• Herbal warm water

These drinks also improve focus and classroom concentration.

🚫 Items Strictly Avoided in Winter Lunch (School Health Alert Punjab)

School authorities urge parents to avoid:

• Ice-cream cups
• Chilled juices
• Soft drinks
• Raw salad cold
• Yogurt with lunch
• Cold milk bottles

Cold acidic drinks irritate the throat lining and weaken digestion.
Yogurt thickness increases congestion symptoms in children prone to chest infections.

🥶 Effects of Cold Lunch on Students (Cold Food Health Risk Punjab)

Cold lunch causes:

• Sore throat
• Tonsillitis
• Chest congestion
• Indigestion
• Stomach cramps
• Low energy levels

Doctors emphasize that warm lunch stabilizes body temperature during early-morning school time.

Read Also: Punjab Issues New School Water Bottle Advisory 2025

🧊 Canteen Rules in Winter Season (School Canteen Guidelines Punjab)

Schools must ensure:

✅ Warm snacks supply
✅ Fresh soup availability
✅ Hot tea for staff
✅ Storage ban on frozen items

Canteens selling harmful items may face strict penalties during the winter advisory period.

🚌 Lunch During Morning Travel (School Bus Lunch Safety Punjab)

Parents traveling by van or bus should use:

• Thermal lunch containers
• Insulated food jars
• Aluminum foil wraps

Avoid exposing lunch boxes to cold air during morning transport.

Experts suggest sending lunch in small portions to maintain warmth.

🧤 Additional Winter Protection Tips (Student Safety Punjab)

To protect students during lunch break, parents are advised to:

✅ Provide wool gloves
✅ Add warm inner layers
✅ Use a scarf while eating outdoors
✅ Encourage slow chewing

Teachers should ensure students avoid sitting directly on cold ground.

🔍 Can Students Eat Indoors? (Indoor Lunch Policy Punjab)

Yes — administrators are now allowing indoor lunch sessions.
Sitting inside classrooms during breaks prevents:

• Cold ground contact
• Dust exposure
• Fog inhalation
• Wind chills

Fans remain off during peak winter months.

📅 How Long Will These Guidelines Last? (Winter Advisory Duration Punjab)

Education Department expects the lunch advisory to continue:

• Late November → Start of cold wave
• December peak → Maximum cases
• Early January → Gradual improvement

When temperatures rise, schools may revert to regular canteen operations.

📰 Stay Updated With Student Health Alerts

👉 Government Notifications Pakistan

Read Also: Punjab Fog Holiday Chances 2025

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

📌 Final Conclusion

The Punjab School Winter Lunch Guidelines 2025 ensure students remain healthy during cold morning hours. Warm and nutritious lunch options prevent throat infections, chest congestion, and fever spikes. Schools and parents must follow these rules strictly to protect children from seasonal illnesses.

Stay connected for upcoming school safety advisories, winter vacation updates, and health notifications across Punjab.