The challenges related to nutrition among the youngest population represent a global concern that is also evident in Macedonia. One aspect involves the issue of malnutrition, which, although at a relatively low level, is discernible. Conversely, the problem of excessive weight and obesity, supported by data indicating an increasing trend among children in the country, constitutes another issue requiring attention.
“Some families in the country are unable to provide balanced meals for their children. That is precisely why the system and society, through kindergartens and schools, should ensure at least the minimum nutritional value that a child needs to consume every day,” stated the then-Minister of Labour and Social Policy in 2018. She further emphasized that the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy is making efforts to increase children’s enrollment in kindergartens, aiming to provide a greater number of children with access to proper meals.
Current state of play
Since 2014, the Rulebook for the norms and the standards of nutrition in the kindergartens, has been in effect. Following its adoption, kindergarten kitchens nationwide have been mandated to adhere to its guidelines. As per the Rulebook, “food prepared for children in kindergartens should be healthful, optimal, and balanced, utilizing biologically valuable nutritional items that fulfill energy requirements, ensuring both qualitative and quantitative intake of macro and micro-nutrients for harmonious child growth, development, and disease prevention.” Article 3 of the Rulebook further emphasizes that the standards aim to mitigate health-detrimental habits and excess body weight among students due to inadequate nutrition.
Furthermore, a Coordinating Body established by the Government, comprising representatives from the Ministries of Education, Health, and Labor and Social Policy, as well as representatives from the Food and Veterinary Agency and the Institute of Public Health, is responsible for overseeing its implementation and oversight. The rulebook has been disseminated to all primary schools, mandating compliance with its provisions when formulating menus, specifically when planning meal and snack options.
Research carried out in 2018 on the quality of children’s nutrition in kindergartens and primary schools revealed a lack of fresh fruits, vegetables, and vital micronutrients like calcium, iron, and zinc. Moreover, the findings emphasized that children were surpassing recommended sugar and salt intake limits. Consequently, measures were implemented to augment and enhance the existing rulebook.
In 2021, the Working Group for the revision of the Rulebook was established with the aim of revising its content. The initiative was spearheaded by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy in collaboration with Novo Nordisk and the support of UNICEF. During the same year, they recommended an increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables while also suggesting a shift from preserved foods to frozen alternatives. “Processed preserved meats and industrial pâtés should be eliminated from the menus, along with artificial sweeteners, ketchup, and mayonnaise from children’s diets,” stated the Task Group, which further proposed the removal of margarine from kindergarten meals in favor of cold-pressed butter oil. These decisions were among the conclusions drawn from the discussions.
The Working Group is anticipated to resume its activities in September 2023. As part of the #FEAST project, ARETE aims to actively support and facilitate this process.
The key stakeholders
In Macedonia, the key stakeholders engaged in shaping nutritional practices within kindergartens encompass the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the Institute for Public Health, UNICEF, local municipalities, and kindergartens across the country. Together, these entities play an indispensable role in advocating and guaranteeing sound nutritional habits for young children. To comprehend the current state of nutritional protocols in kindergartens, it will be vital to pinpoint essential documents, recent notable initiatives, and identify areas for potential improvements or enhancements.
In this process, it is vital to grasp the viewpoints and perspectives of those most affected by these guidelines, which encompass children, parents, kindergarten chefs, kindergarten management and administration, as well as local and central authorities. This comprehensive approach ensures a thorough comprehension of the dynamics that revolve around nutritional practices in kindergartens.
As part of the FEAST project, ARETE will actively engage in proactively enhancing nutritional practices in kindergartens during the upcoming period. Throughout this endeavor, we will maintain close collaboration with the Municipality of Prilep and involve all relevant stakeholders at both the national and municipal levels.
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