Interdepartmental Cooperation of the Rospotrebnadzor Office in the Republic of Tatarstan in Carrying out the Order to Provide Free Hot School Meals to Pupils in Grades 1-4

Abstract

Introduction: Proper, healthy and safe school nutrition is an important factor in maintaining health and physical growth of a child from a medical point of view, which, in the long run, determines health of the future generations. High-quality food raw materials, a modern material and technical base, qualified personnel, and promotion of healthy eating among schoolchildren and their parents are crucial for successful school feeding. Objective: To analyze the experience and effectiveness of cooperation between the Office of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) in the Republic of Tatarstan, executive authorities and parents to improve school nutrition in the 2020/21 academic year. Materials and methods: The analytical method was used to assess the effectiveness of interdepartmental interaction when carrying out the order to ensure provision of free hot school meals to pupils in grades 1–4 (aged 7–11 years) in the Republic of Tatarstan. Results: Well-coordinated effective actions were implemented in the republic in 2020–2021 to organize free hot meals for elementary school children. They consisted of planned improvement of school catering units, elaboration and introduction of unified menus, including those for children with special dietary needs. Regular inspections of school catering helped improve its quality and enhance responsibility of officials in charge. The experience gained can be applied in other constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Conclusion: Thanks to the close cooperation of executive authorities of the Republic of Tatarstan, the Rospotrebnadzor Office in the Republic of Tatarstan, and the parental community, effective work has been carried out to organize provision of free hot school meals to first to fourth graders since September 1, 2020. All the improvements shall contribute to prevention of diet-related diseases in schoolchildren.