Launch of the 'Sustainable School Nutrition' Transformation Program

The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia, in collaboration with the Armenian office of the World Food Programme and the 'Sustainable School Nutrition' Foundation, has announced the start of a new phase of the 'Sustainable School Nutrition' program. This information was shared by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Armenia.

Thanks to additional funding provided by the Russian Federation, this year's funding for the program can be increased from 3 million to 5 million USD. As of 2019, the program is being implemented in 412 public educational institutions across the Armavir, Gegharkunik, Kotayk, Lori, and Aragatsotn regions of Armenia, providing meals to around 50,000 students in grades 1-4.

The 'Sustainable School Nutrition' program has been operating in Armenia since 2010 based on an agreement between the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the Armenian government, aimed at creating a sustainable school nutrition system. Under the national program, meals are provided to all public schools with elementary grades and preparation groups.

In this phase, professional training courses are planned to be organized for community members to take advantage of new job market opportunities. The establishment of greenhouse farms and school nutrition production will ensure the organization of healthy food in schools throughout the year, and educational programs will include health lifestyle courses for children and community members.

As a result of all these efforts, the schools involved in the program in Armenia will transform into broader educational platforms, fostering the development of human capital and the economy. The 'Sustainable School Nutrition' program will enable the provision of healthy food for elementary school students in public schools across all regions of Armenia, improve their health, and help overcome poverty, thereby contributing to increased school attendance and the acquisition of universal primary education.