PNP to introduce EASE programme for needy students – Robinson

Opposition Spokesman on Finance and the Public Service, Julian Robinson, is promising one meal per day for all needy students when the People’s National Party (PNP) is returned to Government.

This is to be made available under what Robinson calls the Ensuring Adequate Sustenance for Education (EASE) programme. He spoke to the programme on Thursday as he made his contribution to the 2025-2026 Budget Debate in Gordon House.

He described EASE as “a solution for cost of living pressures”, and added 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.”

In elaborating, he said: “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.”

He further said, “That is why the Opposition is committing to introducing the EASE programme,” while positing that it will be a real solution to ease the financial pressure on parents, while ensuring that “no child in Jamaica has to learn on an empty stomach.”

The Opposition spokesman explained that the EASE programme will guarantee that every needy student from primary to secondary school receives one nutritious meal per day at school, with a long-term plan to expand to include breakfast as well.

“This is a solution that will put money back in the pockets of parents who are already struggling with the rising cost of living. With this initiative, parents will no longer have to worry about finding lunch money every morning. That extra money can now go towards food at home, bills and other critical household expenses,” said Robinson.

He argued that while some students already receive meals in schools, that is limited to those on the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH).

“The truth is that many struggling families do not qualify for PATH due to some of its requirements. We on this side know that even if a family doesn’t meet PATH’s criteria, it doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling. That is the difference between us and them. The reality is that thousands of children go to school hungry every day simply because their parents are barely getting by,” said Robinson.

He said Opposition Leader Mark Golding will address the PNP’s transportation plan in his Budget presentation next Tuesday, but stated that, “If you can’t afford lunch money, chances are you can’t afford bus fare either. So we are making sure that parents don’t have to choose between food and education. Send the child to school and we will ensure they eat,” said Robinson.