Innovations in Kyiv School Nutrition
One of the key innovations in the school nutrition system in Kyiv is the multipurpose menu, which allows students to choose their meals. This was highlighted by Valentyn Mondryiivskyi, Deputy Head of the KCSA, during a discussion at the European School Nutrition Summit.
He shared insights into the reform that began in 2018 in Kyiv, which went through three phases: developing standards, choosing nutrition formats, and disseminating best practices among educational institutions.
“Currently, five municipal enterprises and three private companies organize nutrition in the capital, while three schools independently provide meals for their students. Approximately 50% of schools have implemented a buffet system, and 40% have a ‘double menu’ system, allowing students to choose between two dishes. We have transformed the traditional view of school meals, giving children the freedom to select food according to their preferences,” Mondryiivskyi stated.
He also noted that the path to change was not easy. To ensure maximum quality, it was necessary to introduce penalties for market operators as stipulated in nutrition organization agreements. For instance, a 20% fine of the contract amount applies for substandard services, late delivery incurs a penalty, and if food waste exceeds 50%, the services are not paid for.
As part of the reform, every third food block/cafeteria in 129 schools was renovated, modern technological equipment was purchased for 331 food blocks (79% of schools), and dishes and kitchen utensils were replaced in every fifth school.
Currently, various nutrition models operate in the capital's schools:
- On-site cooking – chefs who are part of the educational institution's staff or market operators prepare and serve ready meals directly in school food blocks (these establishments account for 86.3% of the total, namely 356). This is the basic kitchen model;
- Smart kitchen – meal preparation at a central school with delivery to neighboring educational institutions.
“This reform is primarily about the child and for the child, specifically for the 244 thousand students in Kyiv who come to school classrooms and cafeterias daily. Over 60% of students regularly use these facilities,” Valentyn Mondryiivskyi concluded.
