National Projects
We design balanced meal plans, monitor school feeding systems, and prioritize children's health across Russia.
of Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute
SIFI’s experience in implementing national projects has enabled the creation of adaptable models effective in both Russia and other countries.
school Feeding
Expertise in
The Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI) is a leading expert organization in developing and implementing advanced school feeding systems.
Implemented
projects
Monitoring the process of school feeding in Russia
Improving school meal organization as part of the National Priority Project “Education”
Collaboration with the Russian Ministry of Agriculture
Partnership with the Office of the President of Russia
Development of the Federal Law on regulating the production and distribution of food products for children
Participation in creating a domestic food aid system
Our approach
Meals organization: from start to finish
School meals in Russia
today, represent a large-scale initiative that addresses key aspects of providing healthy, balanced nutrition to more than 17 million students across the country.
The primary goal of the Programme is not just to feed children but to lay the foundation for healthy eating habits, strengthen their well-being, and create the right conditions for their development and academic success.
The school feeding system in Russia is built on eight core pillars.
The primary goal of the Programme is not just to feed children but to lay the foundation for healthy eating habits, strengthen their well-being, and create the right conditions for their development and academic success.
The school feeding system in Russia is built on eight core pillars.
Regional standards have been developed to reflect the specific needs of each federal subject, ensuring sufficient levels of essential nutrients, a diverse menu, and therapeutic and dietary accommodations. These standards are based on recommendations from the Federal Center for Nutrition Monitoring and have been peer-reviewed by experts from 42 regions.
Each year, over 11 million tons of food are required for school meals, including around 2 million tons of specialized products that meet strict safety and quality standards. The government is actively supporting the domestic production of these goods, contributing significantly to the development of the agricultural sector.
A key component is the modernization of school canteens. By 2025, more than 2,200 school kitchens across Russia were renovated. Russian-made combi steamers, refrigerators, and dishwashers — comparable in quality to foreign brands — are being widely introduced.
The School Feeding Programme is coordinated at federal, regional, municipal, and local levels. A dedicated task force from the Ministry of Education works in collaboration with Rospotrebnadzor and other agencies. Monitoring is conducted via a digital platform that ensures transparency of all processes.
Special attention is given to the training and professional development of kitchen staff. Regular courses and nationwide skill contests are held — including the annual Best School Canteen competition, which attracts thousands of participating schools.
The School Feeding Programme that provides free hot meals for primary school children is funded by the federal budget with additional support from regional and local governments. In 2023, more than 67 billion rubles were allocated to this initiative. For older students, meals are generally paid for by parents, except for those in designated social benefit categories.
School meal services are governed by a wide array of regulatory documents, including federal laws, government resolutions, technical regulations, and sanitary norms — all of which are regularly updated and improved.
There is ongoing work with children and parents to encourage healthy lifestyles. Educational campaigns such as Traditions of Healthy Eating, various contests, and parental control initiatives have significantly improved results — reducing the number of uneaten meals from 52% in 2020 to just 6% in 2023.
Future plans for the School Feeding Programme include expanding menu options, better addressing dietary and health requirements, strengthening the role of local food producers, and increasing transparency and community engagement in monitoring processes.
The joint efforts of government, schools, parents, and producers are not just about providing meals — they represent a strategic investment in the health, development, and future of every child in Russia.
The joint efforts of government, schools, parents, and producers are not just about providing meals — they represent a strategic investment in the health, development, and future of every child in Russia.