Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – Today, the implementation of efficient economic and environmental management systems that utilize natural, financial, and material resources to ensure food security, healthy nutrition, and an active lifestyle for all segments of the population is particularly relevant.

Ensuring the safety of food products and promoting healthy nutrition, especially in schools, lays a solid foundation for the future of our growing youth. Children of school age require special attention not only in education but also in terms of healthy eating and overall health.

In this regard, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, is implementing the project "Supporting Improved Food Security and Nutrition through Pilot School Feeding Programs."

At the introductory seminar of this project held on 25 June, representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Preschool and School Education, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, International Strategic Development and Research Center for Food and Agriculture (ISCAD) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Agency of Preschool Education, Committee of Sanitary and Epidemiological Well-being and Public Health, Institute of Health and Strategic Development, National Agency for Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, international public funds "Zamin" and "Ibn Sino" participated.

The participants were briefed on the project’s goals, objectives, scale, concept, and expected outcomes.

The parties discussed the work plan and agreed on the terms for further project implementation.

In recent years, there has been an increase in issues related to inadequate nutrition, excessive consumption of harmful foods, and obesity among children in Uzbekistan. Effective education, health, and quality nutrition play a key role in shaping human capital. During the period of school education, children undergo physical, mental, and cognitive changes. 

The FAO’s new project will identify and prevent potential risks through the testing of school feeding programs. The implementation of the project aims to provide schoolchildren with safe and quality food products, develop and implement healthy eating programs in schools, and address issues related to the safety and quality of food in the school system.

“Comprehensive and consistent school feeding programs focused on nutrition, education, and children’s health are key to protecting human rights. Healthy and quality nutrition in schools allows students to develop healthy eating habits, improve their diet, and pass on this knowledge to their families and loved ones. These programs contribute to supporting, strengthening, and diversifying local food systems, sourcing food products for schools from local farmers," emphasized Sherzod Umarov, Deputy Representative of FAO in Uzbekistan.

During the introductory seminar, participants discussed existing deficiencies, problems, and opportunities within the school feeding system. They deliberated measures to improve the food environment in schools, as well as issues concerning food quality, safety, and overall management of school feeding.