Healthy generation: Milk in Schools program in Armenia proves successfu

A significant milestone for Armenia's education and healthcare systems was marked on June 27 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Denis Ilyin, Senior Managing Director at the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), Nanna Skau, Representative and Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Armenia, and David Yeremyan, founder of the Yeremyan Projects Group of Companies, signed an agreement to expand the Milk in Schools program, a successful initiative aimed at improving children's health.

The initiative was launched in December 2022 when WFP and Yeremyan Projects signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the primary goal to include milk in the daily diet of schoolchildren to combat unhealthy eating habits.

The pilot project was launched in 2023 at School No. 1 in Jermuk and School No. 1 in Yeghegnadzor. Throughout the year, 411 students in grades 5-9 every day received a glass of fresh milk produced by Yeremyan Projects. This helped provide children with the maximum health benefits and ensure they started their day energized and ready for studies.

At the end of the year, WFP conducted research that revealed the program's remarkable success. Children began opting for milk more frequently and reduced their consumption of sugary drinks. Parents also observed positive changes in their children's eating habits and food preferences.

Nanna Skau, WFP Representative and Country Director in Armenia, commented, “As we expand the Milk in Schools program in Armenia, our collaboration with the Eurasian Development Bank and Yeremyan Farm is a vital step towards fostering healthy eating behaviors and habits among Armenian children. Through our joint efforts, we provide long-term health benefits, empower students throughout their education, and enhance human capital.”

The expansion of the program will allow more schools and children to participate in the Milk in Schools project, thereby improving the quality of children's nutrition and promoting healthy eating habits.

Based on materials from the Armenian Independent Information and Analytical Agency News of Armenia-NEWS.am.