Uruguay to expand secondary school feeding program by 2027

Uruguay’s Secondary Education Student Feeding Program plans to double its coverage by 2027, aiming to increase the number of students receiving meals from 20,000 to 40,000. The initiative involves the General Directorate of Secondary Education (DGES) and the General Directorate of Technical Professional Education (DGETP), supported by nutritionists and the National Institute of Food (INDA).

This year, 59 locations were added to the program, providing lunch through outsourced services. These sites complement existing services in full-time high schools, María Espínola centers, and Associated Educational Centers (CEA), which offer breakfast, lunch, and snacks. In October, the high school in La Coronilla, Rocha, will join the program to provide lunch.

For 2027, the expansion will focus on areas where demand has been identified and where facilities exist to adapt for food preparation. Additionally, UTU is working to support educational communities that already provide breakfast or snacks by providing supplies such as powdered milk.