First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska participated online in the first Ukrainian event of the School Meals Coalition, an organization established in 2021 in response to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Today's event is special because Ukraine is celebrating a new status – as a member of the School Meals Coalition, a global association of more than 100 countries. It is an honorable and responsible position. The ultimate goal of the entire School Meals Coalition – to raise a healthy generation with healthy eating habits established in their childhood. The goal of the School Nutrition Reform is the same," the President's wife noted.
During the event, the results of the School Meals Case Study: Ukraine, were presented; the study was conducted with the support of UNICEF Ukraine, the WHO Office in Ukraine and the UN World Food Program. It analyzes the organization of food service in educational institutions in our country.
Viktor Liashko, Minister of Healthcare of Ukraine, Andrii Stashkiv, Deputy Minister of Education and Science, and Nadiya Bihun, Deputy Minister of Economy, spoke about the impact of nutrition on students' health, quality of life, and the country's economy in times of war.
Orest Stepaniak, Head of the School Nutrition Reform Team, commended the arrangement of the pilot kitchen factory and the training of administrators and cooks.
In addition, international partners presented the results of their work to support the Reform.
“Today I am proud of how far we have come. I am grateful to the Reform Team for more than just their work – for their humanity and compassion. Additionally, I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to the international friends of our Reform: without your support, implementing it in the regions and in some communities would not have been possible. After all, it is too difficult to defend and develop at the same time,” Olena Zelenska said.
The event was the first in the framework of our country's cooperation with the School Meals Coalition and the Research Consortium for School Health and Nutrition. This fall, Ukraine will host a Regional Summit of the Coalition.