The Education Ministry has ordered a full audit into operations at the St. Francis Primary and Infant School in relation to the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) lunch funds.

The Ministry says the audit comes after preliminary findings point to significant discrepancies in the management and use of the funds at the St. Andrew-based institution.

An investigation was launched recently.

In a statement, the Education Ministry says preliminary report indicates that the school has been charging the PATH account $650.00 per meal for students on the programme, well above the prescribed rate of $150.00 for children in grades 1-3 and $200.00 for children in grades 4-6.

The Ministry states that this practice has resulted in the rapid depletion of allocated PATH funds, severely limiting the number of days hot meals can be provided to students.

According to the Ministry, the review of the records also revealed that only 100 students are being fed.

Permanent Secretary Dr. Kasan Troupe states that the Ministry will not tolerate any action that compromises the well-being of the most vulnerable students.

She explains that the Ministry has provided $4,644,300 to provide lunch for 154 students on PATH for 190 school days.

Dr. Troupe reiterates that the lunch is not to be priced with a profit margin, as in addition to the grants, the Ministry covers the cost for the cooks, maintenance and utilities.

Schools have been advised that where there are challenges, they need to report to the Ministry and not shift the cost to the parents.

She adds that the Ministry has not received any request for additional support for nutrition needs from St. Francis Primary and Infant School.

The Ministry has ordered a full audit of the school’s PATH account records to determine how funds have been used and whether there has been any breach of financial regulations.

The Ministry says it remains resolute in its duty to protect the integrity of public funds and to ensure that all students, especially those on PATH receive the resources intended for their benefit.

It says additional actions will be taken based on the findings of the audit.

PATH is a national social safety net initiative that provides conditional cash grants to support the most vulnerable households across Jamaica.

It is administered by the Labour and Social Security Ministry.

Funds allocated for student lunches under the programme are disbursed by the Ministry of Education.