Striving for better future: Kyrgyzstan joins School Meals Coalition

It’s unlikely that a young second-grader reflects on the long-term benefits of a hot meal when eagerly enjoying a bowl of hearty soup during school lunch. For a child, it’s simply about the delicious taste and the satisfaction of a full stomach — and that’s already a wonderful thing. However, beyond the immediate pleasure, school meals play a critical role in giving every child the best possible start in life. Good health and quality education are the bedrock of success, and school meals bridge the gap to ensure no child is left behind.

In this context, Kyrgyzstan’s recent decision to join the School Meals Coalition is a momentous step forward. This significant announcement was made by the Minister of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva, during the Global Forum on Child Nutrition held in Osaka, Japan.

What is the School Meals Coalition?

Imagine a partnership of over 105 countries, united by a shared mission: to transform school meal programmes into a cornerstone of education, health, and joyful childhood. That’s the essence of the School Meals Coalition. Backed by the Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF), the coalition aims to assist countries in developing sustainable national programmes, tackling challenges like malnutrition, and ensuring that every child has access to nutritious food.

For Kyrgyzstan, joining the coalition is more than a ceremonial gesture — it’s a step toward addressing pressing issues. While the country has significantly reduced child stunting, micronutrient deficiencies remain a critical challenge.

Why is this initiative crucial?

Children’s health is the foundation of any nation’s future. Yet in Kyrgyzstan, nearly half of toddlers and adolescent girls suffer from deficiencies in essential nutrients like iron and vitamins D and A. These deficiencies can severely limit both physical growth and cognitive development, impacting the potential of the next generation.

What progress has Kyrgyzstan made?

Kyrgyzstan has a strong history of investing in school feeding. Since 2006, its National School Meals Programme has reached more than 250,000 children. In 2019, legislation was enacted to ensure that every student has access to balanced school meals. Further advancements came in 2024, when the Programme’s budget was doubled. By the end of 2025, the government aims to train all school cooks to meet modern standards for preparing safe, high-quality meals.

As part of the coalition, Kyrgyzstan also plans to integrate climate-smart practices into its National Programme, emphasizing the importance of using locally produced ingredients. Minister Kendirbaeva highlighted the collaborative efforts with international organizations to create a sustainable school feeding system that benefits students and supports local communities.

Why focus on local produce?

Using local produce has a dual benefit: it strengthens the economy while promoting sustainability. By relying on homegrown ingredients, the cost of school meals can be reduced, and their nutritional value enhanced. Moreover, children gain an appreciation for their cultural heritage and natural resources. As the saying goes, “You reap what you sow” — both in agriculture and life.

The role of international support

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has been a steadfast partner to the Kyrgyz government. To date, 920 schools have been equipped with modern kitchen equipment, and thousands of cooks and administrators have received training.

How will this benefit children?

For children, hunger is a barrier to learning. A nutritious meal can dramatically improve concentration, academic performance, and overall well-being. Beyond that, school meals serve as an opportunity to instill healthy eating habits from a young age. And what better way to teach these habits than through a delicious, wholesome lunch?

By joining the School Meals Coalition, Kyrgyzstan has become part of an international network of over 105 countries committed to enhancing school meal programmes worldwide. This collaborative effort represents a powerful investment in health, education, and the future of Kyrgyzstan’s children. It is a truly positive step toward a brighter tomorrow.