Supporting the creation and progressive development of the National School Feeding Programme

Partnership between SIFI and the UN World Food Programme

Since 2010, we have been an integral part of the UN World Food Programme’s Development of Sustainable School Feeding project in Armenia.

Project Goals:

Provide balanced, hot meals for primary school children;

Restore and upgrade the infrastructure and equipment of school canteens;

Promote the concept of healthy lifestyles and proper nutrition nationwide.

Implement innovative, resource-saving technologies and modern agricultural practices;

Introduce co-financing mechanisms for school feeding by developing schools’ production capacity and engaging local businesses;

Assist the Armenian government in implementing the National School Feeding Programme;

Over the years of collaboration with the WFP and the Armenian government, school feeding has transformed into a comprehensive national project. This initiative unites ministries, school headmasters, cooks, local authorities, parents, and communities in a shared mission: ensuring a healthy and happy future for children.

SIFI’s key focus areas

Promotion of healthy lifestyles and the School Feeding Programme nationwide

Organization of comprehensive training on school feeding management

Audit of school canteens and preparation of infrastructure and technology modernization plans

Our partnership has transformed Armenia’s School Feeding Programme, shifting from simply providing food to schools to a model focused on technical support and long-term sustainability.

Composition of balanced menus based on modern nutritional standards for children’s health and well-being

Creation and piloting of innovative projects to boost sustainability

Development of a national strategy for the sustainable growth of school feeding initiatives

2023 marked a milestone year for the project, as the National School Feeding Programme expanded to include all ten marzes of Armenia. Today, 1,050 schools and 111,000 students benefit from daily free hot meals.

and Achievements

Since 2014, the National School Feeding Programme has grown steadily, with more children receiving free meals funded by the state budget every year.

Since 2014, the National School Feeding Programme has grown steadily, with more children receiving free meals funded by the state budget every year.

Since 2015, a large-scale initiative has been underway to renovate school canteen infrastructure and provide kitchens with modern equipment.

In September 2016, Yerevan hosted the 18th Global Child Nutrition Forum with support from SIFI.

In 2016, the Armenian government established the Sustainable School Feeding Fund, which was restructured into the School Feeding and Child Welfare Agency in 2020.

The Republican Training Center for School Cooks was established at Yerevan Regional State College No. 1 to provide specialized training.

Resource-saving technologies, such as solar panels, are installed in schools to significantly reduce energy costs and generate income by selling surplus energy to the national grid.

An innovative project implemented in the Lake Arpi community has strengthened the resilience of the National School Feeding Programme and allowed to introduce mechanisms for additional funding.

Initiatives to support local farmers and producers have included improving bakery and mill infrastructure, establishing a training center for bakers, and creating a legume processing facility.

Investment projects for school gardens—such as intensive gardens, berry gardens, and greenhouses—have been implemented to create additional funding sources for school meals.

Educational materials, including the Green Recipes Book, workbooks with engaging activities, board games, and calendars, have been developed for children and parents.

Twice a year, Armenia’s School Feeding Newsletter provides updates on the Programme’s progress and key achievements.

Awareness campaigns and activities promoting the School Feeding Programme and healthy lifestyles are held annually.

Since 2021, the annual Best School Mini Garden competition has inspired schools to create thriving gardens.

In 2023, new school cook training programs were introduced in four regional colleges, led by trainers who received advanced certification in Tambov, Russia.

Since 2018, regular training sessions on school feeding management have been organized for school cooks and headmasters.

The School Meals Recipe Book, awarded the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2019, has become an essential guide for school cooks across Armenia.

The work to improve school feeding conditions in Yerevan has begun, featuring an infrastructure assessment of school canteens and the development of best feeding models.

the School Feeding Programme

Transforming eating habits

The Programme promotes healthy eating behaviors among children by providing hot, balanced meals, incorporating whole-grain foods, and teaching the principles of proper nutrition.

Schools source food locally, thus driving economic growth. Sales of local produce have increased by 5–10%, providing a substantial boost to small farmers supplying food products to schools.

Boosting economy

An evaluation of the Programme in Armenia revealed that balanced and varied school meals significantly improve students’ academic performance and cognitive abilities.

Improving academic progress

Reducing poverty

School feeding initiatives create new jobs. Over a five-year period, the return on investment is 7.1, reflected in improved health, education, and professional productivity.

Achievements

111,000 children receive hot school meals every day

1,050 school kitchens equipped with modern appliances

2,500 new jobs created

18 school-based intensive orchards established

15 school berry gardens planted

21 school greenhouses operate, some of them with hydroponic systems

15,100 children enjoy wholegrain bread as part of their school lunches

139 schools equipped with solar panels

4,000+ school employees received training on school feeding organization and the fundamentals of healthy living

Future Plans

Introducing updated guidelines and regulations aligned with modern trends in school feeding.

Engaging local communities and businesses as active contributors to the development of the National School Feeding Programme.

Promoting healthy lifestyles, green energy initiatives, and sustainable agricultural practices that preserve natural resources.

Strengthening the Programme's sustainability and creating new opportunities for all stakeholders.

Expanding the National School Feeding Programme to include primary school children in Yerevan, ensuring they receive daily hot meals.

Since 2013, we have been publishing the School Feeding Newsletter to keep you informed about our progress.