Working on the National School Feeding Programme to ensure all children receive well-balanced meals from locally sourced products

Partnership between SIFI and the UN World Food Programme

From 2021 to 2024, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) is implementing the “Promoting Sustainable Home-Grown School Feeding through Enhanced Local Food Production Systems in Cuba” project.

Similar to its work in CIS countries, SIFI is actively contributing to the project’s success. The initiative is led by the National Coordination Group under the Ministry of Education of Cuba.

As a result of the project implementation,

Cuba will have:

A sustainable National School Feeding Programme rooted in local agricultural production

Access for schoolchildren to nutritious, diverse meals

A resilient food system capable of withstanding natural disasters and climate change

Reliable supplies of locally-produced food products for schools and community kitchens

Granma: Guisa, Buey Arriba, Bartolome Maso

Project

SIFI's efforts span five eastern provinces and 12 municipalities:

Las Tunas: Colombia, Puerto Padre

Santiago de Cuba: I Frente, II Frente

Holguín: Mayari, Cueto

Guantánamo: El Salvador, Imias, Baracoa

Guantánamo

Las Tunas

Holguín

Granma

Santiago de Cuba

Key Focus Areas

In 2021, the SIFI team conducted a comprehensive evaluation of Cuba’s school feeding system.

Like creating any dish begins with understanding its ingredients, every successful project starts with a thorough analysis of the current situation for identifying the most efficient implementation mechanisms.

Legislative and regulatory frameworks, management structure of the National School Feeding Programme

Key factors influencing the development of school feeding

Food procurement processes

Parental involvement in school feeding initiatives

Promotion of healthy eating and balanced nutrition awareness among children and parents

Training of school staff on organizing high-quality school meals

The presence and condition of school gardens and farms

School infrastructure

the Assessment of school meals system

Recommendations based on

Develop a comprehensive document that clearly defines the National School Feeding Programme, outlining its goals and objectives, as well as its monitoring and evaluation system

Establish stable funding sources for preschool and school feeding initiatives

Restore and modernize canteen infrastructure, ensuring access to clean water and electricity

Create mechanisms to engage local farmers and cooperatives in supplying food products to schools

Train employees involved in school feeding, including school headmasters, cooks, and local and regional officials

Equip school kitchens with modern appliances for meal preparation and delivery

Supporting Local Agriculture

We are supporting the growth of local production and introducing solar energy solutions in schools.

We are enhancing meal diversity and quality while considering regional and national dietary preferences. A School Meals Recipe Book is under development.

Improving Meal Plans

We are developing a web portal on school feeding, creating educational materials for students, parents, and school staff, and organizing awareness-raising activities.

Promoting Healthy Eating

Efforts

Enhancing the Regulatory Framework

We are reviewing regulations and preparing recommendations for their improvement.

Education and Personnel Development

We are supporting the organization of professional development courses and advise on relevant topics and effective training methods

Future Plans

SIFI aims to support the Cuban Government in:

Expanding the National School Feeding Programme to include external students

Increasing public awareness of healthy eating habits

Streamlining the organization of school feeding processes

Clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders in school feeding

Ensuring smooth collaboration among key school feeding actors

Scaling up production and ensuring consistent supplies of diverse local products to school canteens

Reducing schools’ reliance on non-renewable energy sources

How School Feeding

Cuba’s National School Feeding Programme is an initiative the Government is proud of. It is a cornerstone of the country’s social support policies, which also serves as vital assistance to working mothers.

School feeding in Cuba began in the 1960s after the 1959 revolution, as the Government intensified its efforts in the field of education to improve literacy and integrate women into the country’s economic life.

Cuba’s National School Feeding Programme is an initiative the Government is proud of. It is a cornerstone of the country’s social support policies, which also serves as vital assistance to working mothers.

School feeding in Cuba began in the 1960s after the 1959 revolution, as the Government intensified its efforts in the field of education to improve literacy and integrate women into the country’s economic life.

A robust social policy was launched to support vulnerable children, particularly in rural areas, while simultaneously developing healthcare, education, culture, and sports. These efforts aimed to enhance the health and well-being of children.

The 1990s presented significant challenges for Cuba. The country lost its primary ally and economic partner, the Soviet Union, and faced tightening economic sanctions from the United States. These factors inevitably impacted the education sector, leading to budget constraints.

Today, the National School Feeding Programme (PNAE) operates nationwide, with dedicated funding allocated from the national budget. These funds are distributed among provinces, municipalities, and schools, ensuring the Programme's sustainability.