The UN World Food Programme, the EDB and Yeremyan Farm sign a letter of intent to expand the Milk in Schools project in Armenia
Almaty, 27 June 2024. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), represented by Denis Ilin, Senior Managing Director, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), represented by Nanna Skau, Representative and Country Director for Armenia, and Yeremyan Farm, represented by David Yeremyan, Founder and CEO of the Yeremyan Projects Group, signed a letter of intent to expand the Milk in Schools programme in Armenia. The partnership aims to consolidate the collaborative efforts of the three organisations to implement the initiative and identify the capacity and resources to support its implementation. The signing took place during the EDB Annual Meeting and Business Forum.
The Milk in Schools programme was piloted in December 2022 to include milk in the daily diet of children and adults in Armenia, reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods such as sweet and salty snacks, encourage milk consumption and position it as part of a healthy lifestyle.
The Milk in Schools programme was implemented from January to December 2023 at School 1 in Jermuk and School 1 in Yeghegnadzor, Vayots Dzor Marz. A total of 411 students in grades 5 to 9 received a glass of fresh milk produced by Yeremyan Products every day to start their day healthier.
The programme was an unprecedented success, with WFP estimates of behavioural changes among children showing a significant increase in milk consumption and a decrease in the consumption of sugary drinks. Surveys conducted at the beginning and end of the programme revealed positive shifts in attitudes towards milk among participating children, with a marked increase in preference for milk as a beverage.
Parents of schoolchildren also noted the positive impact of the project, with many reporting changes in their children’s habits and preferences. Surveys have shown a decrease in the consumption of fizzy drinks and an increase in milk consumption among schoolchildren, confirming the success of the project.
“Last year, we worked with WFP to pilot the programme in two schools and achieved impressive results. They are the best proof that this is the right strategy to achieve our goal of promoting a new culture of milk consumption. I would like to thank our partners for supporting this important initiative for Armenia. This agreement will allow us to expand the programme, and our children will drink quality milk meeting the highest standards,” said David Yeremyan.
In line with its mission to promote economic growth and integration of its member states, the EDB joined this initiative, which aims to provide more schoolchildren with access to healthy food and develop healthier habits through the consumption of high-quality milk.
“Three years ago, the EDB and Yeremyan Projects launched a very important process to establish a milk supply chain for schools – from a business idea to an investment project, from the start of construction to supplies to shops and for social needs. We are pleased that our project was supported by the UN. We hope it will be continued with the same partners on board,” commented Denis Ilin.
“We are expanding the Milk in Schools programme for Armenia, and, therefore, our cooperation with the EDB and Yeremyan Farm is the right step towards fostering healthy eating behaviours and habits in Armenian children. Through our combined efforts, we are providing long-term health benefits, empowering students throughout their education, and enhancing human capital,” added Nanna Skau.
In 2022, the Government of Armenia, the EDB and Yeremyan Farm signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at fostering food security and sustainable economic development in Armenia’s agriculture. As part of this major investment project, in October 2023, Yeremyan Projects commissioned Armenia’s first and only livestock breeding complex in Tashir, Lori Marz. In May 2024, Yeremyan Projects opened a new state-of-the-art dairy plant in Yerevan.
Additional Information:
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is a multilateral development bank investing in Eurasia. For more than 18 years, the Bank has worked to strengthen and expand economic ties and foster comprehensive development in its member countries. The EDB's charter capital totals US $7 billion. Its portfolio consists principally of projects with an integration effect in transport infrastructure, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, manufacturing and mechanical engineering. The Bank adheres to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles in its operations.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is the largest humanitarian organisation, bringing live-saving relief in emergencies worldwide and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, natural disasters and the impacts of climate change.
The Yeremyan Projects Group is a leader in agriculture, particularly dairy production, restaurant, hospitality and canteen business, and education.
Over 20 years of its operations, the company has created and implemented more than a dozen ambitious and unique projects, significantly contributing to Armenia’s restaurant industry, agriculture and education.
Yeremyan Projects Group encompasses renowned restaurant brands such as Renommée, the Seasons concept, Burgery, Casa Nostra, Livingston, Lavash, Sherep, Smoking Chef, the Tavern Yerevan and Tavern Yerevan Riverside chain, and the Yerevani Shaurma fast food chain. The group also includes the Yeremyan Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Yeremyan Delivery, the Yeremyan Products dairy plant, and Yeremyan Farm, which oversees all agricultural projects.
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