Ukraine opens school chef’s training hubs as part of school lunch menu reform

Culinary hubs were launched in three regions, the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, announced this in her Telegram channel.

What is the problem?

On January 1, 2022, the main stage of the food system reform began in educational institutions. New rules have come into effect in schools and kindergartens. They were developed so children eat healthier and more varied food in school canteens.

The Ministry of Health approved a menu of 160 dishes developed under the leadership of Ukrainian chef Yevhen Klopotenko. On the reform website, there is a collection of technology cards. Schools can use it without additional agreements.

The new children's diet has an increased amount of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, and fish; added spices; a limited amount of fried foods, bread, salt, sugar, and fats; no sausages, canned goods, processed cheese, and sweet buns. The program also introduced the seasonality of the menu.

What is the solution?

Culinary hubs were opened in Ternopil, Odesa, and Poltava regions as part of the School Chef's Training Hubs Development project and the reform of school meals.

How does it work?

In such culinary hubs with modern equipment and trainers, chefs of educational institutions from all over the country will master a good and tasty menu within the framework of the reform. Chefs will also improve their professional level.

"They will become the agents of change who will transfer the acquired knowledge of nutritionology, food process safety, and the creation of technological maps to colleagues in their regions," the message reads. A total of 600 cooks will be trained by the end of 2023.