On April 18, the Russian Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Sergey Vakunov, and the WFP Representative and Country Director, Kojiro Nakai, paid a visit to schools in the Chui province to see firsthand how the School Meals Optimization project is working. Here’s how it happened.
The day began with an environmental campaign in the village of Bukara, where the delegation joined local residents to plant trees as part of the Food for Work project.
By noon, the guests were at School No. 3 in the city of Kara-Balta, where they watched children enjoy hot soup. The delegation reviewed the newly installed kitchen equipment provided with support from Russia and WFP. The highlight of the day was the Cooking Together masterclass organized by the project partner, the Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI).
Fourth-grade students and their parents learned the principles of the healthy plate, explored the difference between nutritious and harmful foods, and prepared some creative and healthy dishes—like a cottage cheese and radish salad and chickpea energy bites. Participants received methodical guides and a fun take-home quest game for children called In Search of a Healthy Breakfast. The event sparked genuine interest among both parents and children, creating an atmosphere of engagement, trust, and practical learning.
After lunch, the delegation headed to Chernyakhovsky School in the village of Petrovka. In the canteen, they once again observed the successful implementation of the School Feeding Programme. During The Secret Lab Inside Us classroom hour organized by SIFI, children explored through interactive activities how healthy eating affects the digestive system. Through games, animated videos, and simple experiments, third- and fourth-graders learned how the digestive organs work. The delegation praised the session for its high level of organization and creativity.
Buns vs. hot meals: see the difference
Not long ago, primary school children were served just hot tea with a bun or a cookie in their school canteens. Today’s menu looks very different—soup or porridge, a portion of meat (or sometimes beans), a salad, and a compote. The menus are designed by nutrition experts to be balanced and nourishing, ensuring children receive essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
In 2024 alone, 34 schools transitioned from serving only pastries to providing balanced meals. This transformation has been made possible thanks to support from Russia, the WFP, and technical assistance from SIFI: new equipment, cook training, and regular product deliveries. Today, hot meals are served in 918 schools across the country.
What does this mean for children?
Parents, the ball is in your court!
Dear parents, no initiative can succeed without your involvement. Attend tastings, offer fresh produce from your home gardens, and don’t hesitate to ask tough questions. After all, it’s at home and school that we form the lifelong habit of choosing foods that help our kids grow strong, smart, and happy—not just grabbing “whatever’s there.”
And finally, take a peek inside your child’s backpack today. You won’t find just a bun—you’ll find a ticket to a healthier future.
The day began with an environmental campaign in the village of Bukara, where the delegation joined local residents to plant trees as part of the Food for Work project.
By noon, the guests were at School No. 3 in the city of Kara-Balta, where they watched children enjoy hot soup. The delegation reviewed the newly installed kitchen equipment provided with support from Russia and WFP. The highlight of the day was the Cooking Together masterclass organized by the project partner, the Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI).
Fourth-grade students and their parents learned the principles of the healthy plate, explored the difference between nutritious and harmful foods, and prepared some creative and healthy dishes—like a cottage cheese and radish salad and chickpea energy bites. Participants received methodical guides and a fun take-home quest game for children called In Search of a Healthy Breakfast. The event sparked genuine interest among both parents and children, creating an atmosphere of engagement, trust, and practical learning.
After lunch, the delegation headed to Chernyakhovsky School in the village of Petrovka. In the canteen, they once again observed the successful implementation of the School Feeding Programme. During The Secret Lab Inside Us classroom hour organized by SIFI, children explored through interactive activities how healthy eating affects the digestive system. Through games, animated videos, and simple experiments, third- and fourth-graders learned how the digestive organs work. The delegation praised the session for its high level of organization and creativity.
Buns vs. hot meals: see the difference
Not long ago, primary school children were served just hot tea with a bun or a cookie in their school canteens. Today’s menu looks very different—soup or porridge, a portion of meat (or sometimes beans), a salad, and a compote. The menus are designed by nutrition experts to be balanced and nourishing, ensuring children receive essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
In 2024 alone, 34 schools transitioned from serving only pastries to providing balanced meals. This transformation has been made possible thanks to support from Russia, the WFP, and technical assistance from SIFI: new equipment, cook training, and regular product deliveries. Today, hot meals are served in 918 schools across the country.
What does this mean for children?
- Full and focused. On average, a school lunch provides 30–35% of a child’s daily calorie needs—a vital fuel boost for growing minds.
- Fewer illnesses. Teachers involved in the Programme report fewer complaints about stomachaches and a noticeable improvement in academic performance.
- Household savings. According to WFP estimates, the cost of a school lunch is equivalent to about 10% of a family’s monthly income—an amount parents effectively save when their child receives meals as part of the School Feeding Programme.
Parents, the ball is in your court!
Dear parents, no initiative can succeed without your involvement. Attend tastings, offer fresh produce from your home gardens, and don’t hesitate to ask tough questions. After all, it’s at home and school that we form the lifelong habit of choosing foods that help our kids grow strong, smart, and happy—not just grabbing “whatever’s there.”
And finally, take a peek inside your child’s backpack today. You won’t find just a bun—you’ll find a ticket to a healthier future.