The basic amount allocated for meals for primary school students will be increased to 20 soms in Kyrgyzstan. The Ministry of Education and Science submitted the draft resolution for public discussion.
As background statement says, school breakfast should make up 25 percent of the student’s daily diet — 550 kcal.
«Studies have shown that with a hot meal, the energy needs of children at the age of 7-10 are provided by 95.3 percent, and with a snack (bun and drink) — only by 53.2 percent,» the document says.
At the moment, hot meals are provided in 1,735, or 73.92 percent, of schools in Kyrgyzstan calculated as 7 soms per child (10 soms in hard-to-reach and high-mountain areas).
«Initially, these amounts were allocated for the provision of a snack only (buns and a drink). In addition, the amount allocated for food for students has not changed and has not been indexed since 2006, that is, for 16 years,» the ministry added.
At the same time, increased food prices have led to a decrease in portions of meals in the school canteen for students, use of black tea instead of dried fruit drink, a decrease in the number of ingredients, and the number of dishes with meat. As a result, the number of calories and essential nutrients consumed daily by students is reduced, which negatively affects children’s cognitive abilities and their overall health.
It is proposed to increase the base amounts from January 1, 2023.
