Cyprus Refines Free Breakfast Programme in Kindergartens

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Agriculture of Cyprus have introduced important changes to the current state programme providing free healthy food (fruit, vegetables and milk) in public pre-primary institutions and primary schools. The adjustment of the menu standards was adopted after a detailed analysis of feedback from parent committees and school administrations.
The main innovation concerns the way fresh produce is served. Under the updated regulations, seasonal fruit (such as apples, pears, tangerines and bananas) will now be handed out to children only whole, rather than sliced, as was previously the practice. Relevant specialists explained that whole fruit preserves its beneficial properties, vitamins and freshness much better by snack time, and also minimises the risk of spoilage or drying out during transport and storage in school canteens.
In addition, the departments have decided to significantly increase the size of the portions themselves for young children. The volumes of vegetables and fruit being distributed have been revised upwards in order to fully meet the daily needs of a growing child's body for vitamins and fibre. At the same time, the quality standards for pasteurised milk remain unchanged — children will continue to receive individual 250 ml packs.
These improvements are aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the national strategy to combat childhood obesity and promoting healthy eating habits among the younger generation. Funding for the programme will continue, as before, to be provided with the support of European funds, ensuring uninterrupted supplies of healthy snacks to all public kindergartens on the island until the end of the school year.