The delegation of the Smolensk region studied the experience of organizing children's meals in Vitebsk schools
The business visit was organized by the Center for International Cooperation of the Smolensk Region. The delegation was headed by the director of this center, Artyom Jones. It also included representatives of the companies engaged in providing school meals in Smolensk.
Targeted cooperation in various spheres of the economy, culture, social development, and education became possible thanks to the strengthening of ties between Smolensk and Belarus.
The General Director of JSC Cafeteria "Smolensk Bistro" Elena Karpenkova, the General Director of LLC KP "Zadneprovye" Valentina Khryakova, and individual entrepreneur Natalia Barinova were interested in everything: the organization of the food preparation process, the implementation of control over the cafeterias, financial assistance to families raising children…
Particular interest was shown in the material and technical equipment of food blocks, compliance with sanitary and hygiene issues, the balance and benefits of ready-made dishes, as well as the results of the pilot project on organizing school meals conducted in the 2022/2023 academic year.
The Smolensk residents not only received full answers to their questions of interest but also were shown the cafeterias of Gymnasiums No. 2 and No. 7 named after M. Deniseko, as well as Secondary School No. 46 named after I. Baghramyan. The delegation members saw firsthand how the work process is organized from ordering products, their storage to preparation and serving.
For example, in Gymnasium No. 2, where meals are organized in rented premises by JSC "Vitmil", more than a thousand students and teachers are fed in a day. At the same time, only six people are employed in the food block, two of whom are cooks. Meals are organized in two shifts, including breakfasts and lunches. This includes meals for high school students who are on specialization, studying according to individual plans or preparing for Olympiads. Children from large families receive lunches and snacks. Students of primary classes from extended day groups are fed according to a separate schedule. Duty students from among the gymnasts are involved in table setting. The educational institution has a buffet where one can snack on fresh salads, baked goods of its own production, or something more substantial.
The guests got acquainted with those responsible for organizing meals and the cooks, and tasted dishes from the menu.
The meeting participants agreed to continue cooperation and exchange successful practices in organizing school meals.
The Center for International Cooperation of the Smolensk Region thanks the Deputy Chairman of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee Viktor Glushin and the Director of JSC "Vitmil" Gennady Mikhalko for their assistance in organizing the business meeting.