Presentation of the Food Aid & Promotion of Healthy Nutrition Program for the 2013-2014 academic year reaching 50,000 students in socially vulnerable areas

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and the Prolepsis Institute announced that the Food Aid & Promotion of Healthy Nutrition Program shall continue during the 2013-2014 academic year, following a new grant approved by the SNF’s Board of Directors. The announcement was made during a joint press conference held on Tuesday November 19^th at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.

The quantitative results of the Program, from its launch to the present day, were presented in detail during the press conference. Specifically, at the time the Program began in 2012, food insecurity affected 60% of approximately 16,000 families. In fact, 23% of the families were experiencing food insecurity accompanied by hunger. Following the Program’s implementation, that percentage was reduced to 19%, with the average index of food insecurity dropping by 11%. It is also worth noting that 48% of underweight children who entered the Program had achieved a normal weight by its conclusion, while 47% of overweight children were no longer overweight. In terms of changes to eating habits, there was a marked increase in the consumption of fruit, vegetables and plain milk outside of school, at a rate of 40-47%. 

At the same time, there were also significant qualitative features pertaining to a reduction of the social stigma attached to students who are struggling financially, an enhanced sense of collectivity in the school environment, and, by extension, a stronger sense of solidarity and collaboration between students, which are particularly important during the current period. 

Mrs. Elly Andriopoulou, Co-Chief Operating Officer of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, made the opening remark and stated “Programs such as the one implemented by the Prolepsis Institute in the country’s public schools are in line with the philosophy that drives the Foundation’s most recent initiatives, aimed at providing immediate relief to those most affected by the effects of the economic crisis, as well as creating the right conditions to bring about a better tomorrow for our country”. 

Prof Athena Linos, President of the Prolepsis Institute, referring to the situation faced these days by the lower and middle layers of Greek society mentioned “The economic crisis is affecting today’s family, which is often struggling to cover its members’ nutritional needs. Food insecurity in certain areas exceeds 60%, a phenomenon that impacts vulnerable social groups most severely: Children are the first victims of the crisis…”.

More than 300 schools will take part in this year’s Food Aid & Promotion of Healthy Nutrition Program, which is run by the Prolepsis Institute through a 10,000,000 euro grant by the SNF. The Program implemented for the third consecutive year, is expected to reach 50,000 students from socioeconomically underprivileged areas of Greece and the number of meals in the current academic year is expected to exceed 6,000,000.

The program has a dual aim, as it provides all students participating with the opportunity to receive a daily free, healthy meal, which covers 24-31% of the students’ daily energy needs, and 53-64% of their recommended daily protein requirements. At the same time, by providing specially designed materials and organizing educational events and activities, the Program supports healthy eating and the overall promotion of health, both for students and their families.

For more information on the program, please visit: http://diatrofi.prolepsis.gr.