The EDB, the WFP and Yeremyan Projects launch the “Milk to Schools” initiative on World School Milk Day

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), the United Nations World Food Program (UN WFP) and the “Yeremyan Projects” Group have officially launched their joint initiative, “Milk to Schools” project in Yerevan and Lori, marking the World School Milk Day.

The event opened with remarks from esteemed guests, including Araksia Svajyan, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia (RA), Nanna Skau, WFP Armenia Representative and Country Director, Armen Melkikyan, EDB’s Director for Armenia, and Davit Yeremyan, Founder and General Director of Yeremyan Projects Group.

In her welcoming speech, Araksia Svajyan, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, highlighted: “This program is truly unique in how it brings together efforts from various parties: international organizations, local institutions, the private sector, and government bodies. The involvement of private organizations in the educational process and fostering collaboration is crucial. Last year, with the support of our partners-the Yeremyan Projects company and the UN World Food Programme-we implemented a program in the Vayots Dzor region, achieving remarkable results. I am confident that all schools participating in this initiative will see similar success.”

Building on the success of its 2023 pilot phase in Jermuk and Yeghegnadzor schools, the “Milk to Schools” project is now set to expand its reach. A Letter of Intent (LOI) signed on June 27, 2024, in Kazakhstan by EDB, WFP, and Yeremyan Projects Group, signifies their shared commitment to promote healthy nutrition and habits among Armenian students trough combine resources.

Healthy nutrition is essential for effective learning. Being mostly financed by the EDB from the Technical Assistance Fund, the “Milk to Schools” project aims to support children’s growth, establish positive food consumption habits, alleviate morning hunger, and enhance concentration in classrooms. Starting this year, students from schools in Lori province and Yerevan will receive a glass of daily milk. The initial phase will cover nine schools, benefiting approximately 1,350 students in grades 5-9.

Prior to the launch, partners assessed kitchen readiness in selected schools to ensure a smooth project start. WFP is also developing assessment tools and behavioral change initiatives  to promote healthy eating habits among children.

“The WFP has always prioritized children’s nutrition, health, and well-being, recognizing its important role in their ability to learn and succeed in school. Through the ‘Milk to Schools’ initiative, we are addressing the need for balanced diets among Armenian students. By partnering with the EDB and Yeremyan Projects, we are contributing to a healthier future for children in Armenia, starting with something as simple, yet impactful, as a daily glass of milk,” said Nanna Skau, WFP Representative and Country Director in Armenia.

The EDB’s Armen Melkikyan said: “This is the first attempt at a joint project for EDB, WFP and Yeremyan Projects. We are pleased to have this opportunity, especially knowing that this is the second step of our joint programme with Yeremyan Projects. So we are moving forward and expanding our cooperation: from the farms and milk production, to pouring milk into children’s cups in schools. Not only are we supporting local production, but we are also having a positive impact on children’s eating habits. We hope our project has a positive impact on children choosing milk over fizzy and sugary drinks.”

In this phase, high-quality milk from Yeremyan Products will be provided to students. “The “Milk to Schools” project is a significant collaboration in promoting healthy eating and behavioral change in Armenia,” said Lusine Yeremyan, Deputy General Director of Yeremyan Projects Group. “The impressive results of last year’s pilot project with WFP in two schools underscore our collective success and commitment to establishing a new culture of milk consumption”.

The event featured a panel discussion with  speakers, including Tatevik Sargsyan, Deputy Minister of Economy of RA, Nanna Skau, UN World Food Programme (WFP) Armenia  Representative and Country Director,Siddhartha Sankar Datta, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative and Head of Country Office, Armen Melkikyan, Eurasian Development Bank’s (EDB) Director for Armenia, Lusine Yeremyan, Deputy General Director of “Yeremyan Projects” Group, Management Board Member, Marketing and Communications Director Satenik Mkrtchyan, Director of the “School Feeding and Child Welfare” Agency,Christine Galstyan, Chief Specialist of the Public Health Department of the RA Ministry of Health,moderated by Armen Harutyunyan, Council member of the Global Fintech Institute (Singapore). Topics included the importance of milk consumption for schoolchildren, strategies to promote milk consumption, and ongoing programs promoting healthy eating habits.

A photo exhibition titled “Milk is Love, Strength, and Health” was also presented during the event. Representatives from government bodies, NGOs, international organizations, schools, students, parents, and nutritionists attended the launch event.

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is a multilateral development bank investing in Eurasia. For more than 18 years, the Bank has worked to strengthen and expand economic ties and foster comprehensive development in its member countries. The EDB’s charter capital totals US $7 billion. Its portfolio consists principally of projects with an integration effect in transport infrastructure, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, manufacturing and mechanical engineering. The Bank adheres to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles in its operations.

The UN World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

The Yeremyan Projects Group is a leader in agriculture, particularly dairy production, restaurant, hospitality and canteen business, and education.Over 20 years of its operations, the company has created and implemented more than a dozen ambitious and unique projects, significantly contributing to Armenia’s restaurant industry, agriculture and education.

Yeremyan Projects Group encompasses renowned restaurant brands such as Renommée, the Seasons concept, Burgery, Casa Nostra, Livingston, Lavash, Sherep, Smoking Chef, the Tavern Yerevan and Tavern Yerevan Riverside chain, and the Yerevani Shaurma fast food chain. The group also includes the Yeremyan Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Yeremyan Delivery, the Yeremyan Products dairy plant, and Yeremyan Farm, which oversees all agricultural projects.