The National Institute of Student Welfare (INABIE) highlighted that the menus of the School Feeding Program (PAE) are combined to guarantee the majority of the daily nutrients required by students to maintain their physical and mental well-being, as well as facilitate their learning.
By offering this information, the Director of Health and Nutrition of INABIE, Luis Lizardo, said that they are designing a school menu composed of all food groups and each dish contains a source of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, which on average by age groups offers 44% of the Daily Dietary Requirements (DDR).
“It’s a cyclical menu that includes all food groups, distributed in 25 combinations of dishes over 5 weeks, which guarantees variety and, in turn, that schoolchildren can receive the necessary nutrients,” she assured.
He highlighted that the menu is accompanied by a cookbook in which the preparation method for each of the dishes is indicated, as well as a series of nutritional guidelines to guarantee the use of natural ingredients and cooking methods that can positively impact the nutritional status and health of schoolchildren.
Food guaranteed by organizations
The Director of Health and Nutrition of INABIE stated that, to guarantee the physical and mental well-being of the more than 2 million students in public schools, teachers, administrative and support staff, the menu of the Food Program (PAE) is prepared following the guidelines of national and international entities, such as the Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Public Health. Likewise, from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics of the United States, among others.
As established by the General Education Law 66-97 in its articles 177 and 178, INABIE, through its Food Program (PAE), is responsible for guaranteeing health, food, and student support services, therefore its commitment is to maintain a nutritionally adequate menu that protects the health of more than 2 million students in the public education system.
