Andina

Peru's VP: School feeding program, Qali Warma, is fully guaranteed nationwide

11:39 | Lima, Nov. 15.

The Vice-President of the Republic Dina Boluarte on Monday affirmed that the national school feeding program "Qali Warma" is fully guaranteed in favor of vulnerable children all over the country.

This way —within the framework of the fight against anemia— it has ensured the food supply for students in all schools at primary and secondary levels for next year, when they return to in-person classes.

The first delivery, she said, will take place in the tri-border area of Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru, which can be reached only by plane because it is a very remote and poor zone.

Additionally, the government official noted that the fight against anemia is driven by the Cuna Mas program, carried out by caregiver-mothers and staff providing nutritional advice for children regarding the amount of calories, proteins, and vitamins that should be included in each meal.

"We are working hand in hand with mothers at home by phone and on a daily basis. Mothers are responding well and we are getting fathers involved too," she remarked.

In statements to local radio station Exitosa, Boluarte reported that the budget for community kitchens grew to more than S/96 million (around US$23.8 million) during her administration.

This increased the weight of food packages, going from 6kg to 11kg, and enabled the distribution of more than 2 million food baskets nationwide.

"We have distributed them in San Juan de Lurigancho, Arequipa, Callao, and in different places across the country, making sure that they can reach the population —through municipalities— in a rapid and efficient manner," she added.

(END) SRE/CVC/RMB

Publicado: 15/11/2021