Sugar under control: prioritizing children’s health

When it comes to school meals, one question always arises: what’s best for our children? In Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Education and Science, in collaboration with its partners, is working tirelessly to ensure that school meals are not just delicious but also balanced and beneficial for children. One of the main focuses has been reducing excessive sugar consumption among primary school students because the young ones need protection from a sugar overload.

Less sugar, more benefits

Recently, Member of Parliament Dastan Bekeshev proposed new measures to tackle the excessive sugar intake among schoolchildren. The Ministry embraced this initiative and has already introduced specific solutions to address the issue.

1.New standards
Thanks to Cabinet Resolution No. 532, a new sugar consumption limit has been set: now, the daily allowance is 30 grams instead of the previous 50 grams. This is a significant step forward, considering that excessive sugar consumption is linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health risks.

2.Compotes instead of sweetened tea
School menus now include compotes made from locally sourced dried fruits without added sugar. These drinks are delicious and packed with vitamins essential for kids.

3.Learning through practice
Together with its partners, the Ministry has developed educational materials to help teachers and parents instill healthy eating habits in children. For instance:

• The Young Gardener handbook, where children learn to grow plants and prepare nutritious meals alongside their parents.
• The Basics of a Healthy Lifestyle project, covering topics like nutrition, physical activity, and disease prevention.

What about parents?

Tackling excessive sugar intake isn’t just the school’s responsibility — it’s a family effort too. Have you ever wondered how much sugar your child consumes at home? Candies and soda are often the main ‘culprits’. That’s why it’s crucial for parents to join this effort. The Ministry has made educational resources available on the website tamakash.edu.gov.kg, empowering families to make more informed decisions.

School cooks: unsung heroes

School cooks are also getting the support they need. A special online course is available on platforms like Moodle, the Republican Scientific and Methodological Center, the Republican Competency Center at I. Razzakov KSTU, and Equality.inaga. The program covers everything from the unique needs of children to disease prevention. By early 2025, 396 school cooks nationwide had already completed the course, and their contribution cannot be overstated.

What’s next?

The Ministry isn’t stopping here. New initiatives to promote healthy eating are already in the pipeline. The key to success is the combined efforts of teachers, parents, and policymakers. After all, children’s health is not just their future — it’s the future of the entire country.

Based on materials from the information portal kaktus.media