She noted that in 2005, only 10% of schools in the country had organized school meals.
“At that time, a presidential decree was adopted, which initiated the law on school nutrition. In 2013, the World Food Program and Russia joined the implementation of the project,” Kushubakova added. “In schools with hot meals, the menu includes porridge twice a week, soups, and salads three times. In some educational institutions where centralized water supply is absent, a simplified menu is proposed: porridge is served two to three times a week, and on other days — rolls and compote. Previously, children were given milk and a roll, but since many refuse milk, we switched to compote.”
Maria Kushubakova also emphasized that the allocated amount of 14 soms for the nutrition of one child is insufficient to provide a full diet; however, in some institutions, parents make additional contributions, and assistance is also provided by donors.
It was previously reported that in Kyrgyzstan, 14 soms are allocated per day for the nutrition of one primary school student. In Bishkek, this amount reaches 22 soms due to local budgets, while in Osh it is 15 soms.
