FAO Director Visits Monte Plata School to Promote Healthy Eating
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization's director general visited a school in Monte Plata to see the country's school health programs up close.
Key points
- FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu visited the Profesora Camila Beato Salas Education Center in Mata Limón, Monte Plata.
- The visit is part of the Healthy and Sustainable Schools project, carried out with the National Institute of Student Welfare (INABIE).
- The School Feeding Program reaches more than 2.1 million people daily.
- About 5.8 million meals are distributed each school day across more than 7,100 schools.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu visited the Profesora Camila Beato Salas Education Center in Mata Limón, Monte Plata, to learn about the school health initiatives being developed in the Dominican Republic. Health Minister Víctor Atallah highlighted the importance of the visit for promoting healthy eating.
Atallah said the Ministry of Health is working to strengthen nutrition monitoring, promote healthy eating habits, and provide access to safe drinking water in schools. According to the minister, it is important to link schools with primary care facilities, so families can access health services and prevention reaches local communities. He added that the Ministry is preparing health-based dietary guidelines for different segments of the population.
The visit is part of the Healthy and Sustainable Schools project, a cooperation initiative carried out with the National Institute of Student Welfare (INABIE). Its goal is to combine school feeding with educational activities on healthy habits, environmental care, and responsible use of resources.
During the meeting, Qu Dongyu urged students to value the opportunities they have for their education and development, as well as the efforts of their families and communities. "Our hope is in you, so that you do much more than previous generations did," he said.
INABIE Executive Director Adolfo Pérez said the School Feeding Program serves more than 2.1 million people daily across more than 7,100 schools. He said the commitment is to keep strengthening the program together with the FAO to promote healthier and more sustainable school meals.
Vice Minister of the Presidency María del Pilar Cañas stressed the importance of coordination between public institutions and the FAO to strengthen food security. The Dominican ambassador to the FAO and WFP, Ada Hernández, was also present.
Why it matters
The School Feeding Program affects children's nutrition and access to quality food.