Project duration: 01.02.2025-31.01.2027
Location: Shirak Region
Overall objective: Enhanced food security for 255 families and their children in Shirak region through the provision of nutritious meals, sustainable food cultivation, and effective meal and financial planning.
Project outputs:
Output 1- Healthy food provision Children in kindergartens have access to healthy nutrition through the provision of balanced meals and snacks that meet dietary requirements. (SDG 2: contribution to sub-targets 2.1. and 2.2.)
Output 2- Healthy food cultivation Families that are exposed to vulnerability learn how to cultivate healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs in their gardens/backyards through training sessions, demonstrations, and the provision of toolboxes. (SDG 2: contribution to sub-targets 2.1, 2.3. and 2.4.)
Output 3- Healthy food planning Community members (families, kindergarten and school cooks) learn how to prepare healthy and cost-effective meals by attending workshops on nutrition, cooking, meal and financial planning. (SDG 2: contribution to sub-targets 2.2)
Project activities:
Output 1: Ensuring Access to Nutritious Meals in Kindergartens
Act 1.1: Formalize contracts with food suppliers to ensure a consistent and high-quality food supply.
Act 1.2: Develop a monthly menu based on the Healthy Eating Food Pyramid in collaboration with kindergarten heads.
Act 1.3: Distribute food supplies weekly to ensure balanced meals for children.
Act 1.4: Organize biannual events where children showcase their acquired nutrition knowledge through interactive activities.
Output 2: Enhancing Household Gardening Practices
Act 2.1: Identify target communities in the Shirak Region and select 20 households based on predefined criteria.
Act 2.2: Conduct training sessions on modern gardening techniques, including composting, recycling, seed saving, and water conservation.
Act 2.3: Provide selected participants with seeds, seedlings, tree saplings, and gardening tools. Around 15 households will receive grants of approximately €1,500 each based on selection criteria.
Output 3: Promoting Healthy Nutrition and Meal Planning
Act 3.1: Develop training materials and schedules for workshops led by experts on healthy nutrition for school and kindergarten staff, as well as parents.
Act 3.2: Train cooks and families on nutrition, meal preparation, and budget-friendly meal planning to encourage sustainable eating habits.
Act 3.3: Encourage participants to showcase their cooking skills through cooking vlogs. A closed Facebook group will be created to foster an online community where parents can share recipes, exchange experiences, and promote healthy eating.
The project is financed by: Caritas Austria /Tirol, Land Tirol Fund https://www.tirol.gv.at/
Project Manager: Gayane Norikyan g.norikyan@caritas.am