From December 17 to 19, the Interdepartmental Coordination Council on School Feeding held a field meeting in Sughd Province. The event went far beyond a formal roundtable discussion. Council members, led by Deputy Governor Jamshed Jurazoda, traveled to schools to see firsthand how meals are organized and to discuss ways to strengthen the school feeding system.
The main goal was clear: to make sure that every schoolchild receives not just food, but a full, tasty, and nutritious lunch that supports the learning process and growth.
Encouraging results from leading schools
Before gathering for the roundtable, participants spent two days visiting schools in the Ayni, B. Gafurov, and D. Rasulov districts. They visited six schools and noted real, positive change:
New kitchen equipment. School kitchens are being equipped with modern appliances, which help ensure safe and high-quality food preparation.
Cleanliness and order. Strict compliance with sanitary standards is becoming a solid foundation for protecting children’s health.
Tasty and varied meals. Menus are expanding, and cooks are paying greater attention to taste and food quality.
Benefits for both mind and body. Special focus is placed on balanced meals so that every child’s plate contains what is needed for their age: energy for active play and strength to acquire new knowledge.
Meals in these schools are funded by the state. For example, School No. 14 in the B. Gafurov district received 430.1 thousand somoni for organizing meals, while School No. 8 in the Ayni district received 145.8 thousand somoni. These figures reflect a serious investment in the healthy future of the younger generation.
Teamwork: school, district, and state
It was emphasized that success is the result of joint effort. School administrations are taking greater responsibility for organizing meals, while local authorities are actively supporting the initiatives. This coordinated approach guarantees that positive changes will not be temporary but will grow into a sustainable system.
At the conclusion of the visit, specialists exchanged practical experience. How can the process be organized more effectively? How can successful practices be shared from one school to another?
This trip clearly showed that school feeding continues to receive constant and serious attention. It is not simply about providing food. It is about investing in children’s health, academic success, and a happy childhood.