Students in Sichuan province eat healthy, free meal at school, Sept 6, 2017. (Photo: IC)

School officials, from senior executives to headmasters, will be required to dine with students in canteens in China's middle schools, primary schools and kindergartens, according to a notice jointly issued Tuesday by the Education Ministry, State Administration for Market Regulation, and National Health Commission.

The new rule will take effect April 1, 2019.