Due to strained economic conditions, many primary school students in Liancai Township used to go to school each day without having breakfast. This was the case, at least, until 2011, when China launched a nutrition improvement program for students in rural regions, which has since been implemented in the most impoverished and remote regions in China.

On a common school day at Yanhe Primary School in Hubei, fourth-grade students Lele and Niuniu carry a basket full of milk cartons into their classroom during recess. According to the school's principal, since the program’s launch, the students at Yanhe Primary School have always received a snack of milk and eggs or milk and cakes during their class break.

Since 2011, the central government has set aside 159 billion yuan for the program. The World Bank and United Nations Food Program have both spoken highly of the program, and in the five years after its launch, the program has been implemented in 137,000 schools in 29 provinces, benefiting a total of 33.6 million students. Virtually no rural students must begin school now without first enjoying a nutritious breakfast.

According to the Chinese Center For Disease Control And Prevention, a number of tangible and positive changes have occurred since the program began. Data shows that both the average height and weight of students have increased, and the rate of anemia incidence has decreased.

By the current standard, the country gives each student a daily subsidy of about 4 yuan, which covers the cost of meals at school and reduces the burden on families. This year, China will further expand the coverage of its program, ensuring that even more students around China are able to enjoy safe, tasty food and make the most of their educations.