On March 30, key partners of the Optimization of School Feeding in the Kyrgyz Republic initiative met in Bishkek to discuss the provision of hot meals for preschool children. Representatives of government agencies, local administrations, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI), and preschool directors came together to review the organization of quality, diverse, and nutritious meals for children in 15 preschools across Kyrgyzstan.
Today, school and preschool feeding in Kyrgyzstan goes far beyond menus. It is about building a sustainable system in which hot meals become an integral part of supporting children’s health, development, and overall well-being. With this in mind, the meeting focused on the results of the pilot project among preschool institutions, preparations for the second phase of implementation, updated nutrition and record-keeping standards, and planning food supply arrangements for the 2026–2027 academic year.
The practical component of the programme drew particular interest. Participants discussed how dining areas should be organized, what engineering solutions are needed to launch hot meal provision, and which sanitary and hygiene requirements must be met to ensure that children’s meals are not only regular but also safe. Through concrete examples, the organizers demonstrated the foundations of the programme’s success: the proper introduction of hot meals provides preschool children with the energy and nutrients necessary for an active and healthy life. Video materials from provinces already participating in the first phase of the preschool initiative further inspired new participants to join the effort and follow their example.
One of the most useful formats was the group work sessions. Representatives from different regions and organizations jointly analyzed the challenges preschools face during the preparation stage and identified practical solutions, ranging from infrastructure-related issues to local-level organizational mechanisms. This exchange of experience proved particularly important, as it enabled participants to find workable approaches based on real conditions and the specific needs of each province.
The United Nations World Food Programme, in partnership with the Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute, continues to work closely with government partners to ensure the consistent and sustainable development of the hot meals system in Kyrgyzstan. The rollout of the programme in preschools marks another important step toward ensuring that more children across the country have access to safe, nutritious, and balanced hot meals from an early age.
Today, school and preschool feeding in Kyrgyzstan goes far beyond menus. It is about building a sustainable system in which hot meals become an integral part of supporting children’s health, development, and overall well-being. With this in mind, the meeting focused on the results of the pilot project among preschool institutions, preparations for the second phase of implementation, updated nutrition and record-keeping standards, and planning food supply arrangements for the 2026–2027 academic year.
The practical component of the programme drew particular interest. Participants discussed how dining areas should be organized, what engineering solutions are needed to launch hot meal provision, and which sanitary and hygiene requirements must be met to ensure that children’s meals are not only regular but also safe. Through concrete examples, the organizers demonstrated the foundations of the programme’s success: the proper introduction of hot meals provides preschool children with the energy and nutrients necessary for an active and healthy life. Video materials from provinces already participating in the first phase of the preschool initiative further inspired new participants to join the effort and follow their example.
One of the most useful formats was the group work sessions. Representatives from different regions and organizations jointly analyzed the challenges preschools face during the preparation stage and identified practical solutions, ranging from infrastructure-related issues to local-level organizational mechanisms. This exchange of experience proved particularly important, as it enabled participants to find workable approaches based on real conditions and the specific needs of each province.
The United Nations World Food Programme, in partnership with the Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute, continues to work closely with government partners to ensure the consistent and sustainable development of the hot meals system in Kyrgyzstan. The rollout of the programme in preschools marks another important step toward ensuring that more children across the country have access to safe, nutritious, and balanced hot meals from an early age.