Case Study: Free Lunch Meals Provision during the Remote Learning Conditions

Abstract

School meals for grade 1 to 4 pupils in Latvia are financed by the government, but with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, and following the remote learning process, there were problems related to the delivery of these meals for pupils. The current situation in Latvia has been exacerbated again due to the spread of the pandemic; there is a great necessity to find well-thought-out solutions to ensure school lunches outside the school. The aim of this study was to develop recommendation-based one-week food packs for grade 1 to 4 pupils, providing the necessary amount of nutrients and energy. Four food packs were designed to provide five-day lunch meals for pupils, preparing a warm lunch at home. Protein, fat, saturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, sugar, dietary fiber, sodium, salt and calcium content of meals were analyzed according to standard methods. During the project, the most appropriate solution for food packs was explored. The four designed food packs will provide support to municipalities, because the composition of food packs complies with the nutrition and energy value regulation and does not exceed the planned budget. Parents will receive the developed recipe book in addition to a one-week food pack.

The Assessment of School Lunches in the Form of Food Packs during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Latvia

“…In order to facilitate the development of food packs for schools/municipalities, the recommendation of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Latvia “Recommendations to municipalities for the provision of food packs to pupils” was developed [ 21 ], specifying one week’s food packs of pupils from 1st to 4th grade should include the following products: 900 g of fruit and vegetables, 600 g of milk and dairy products, 600 g of grain products and potatoes, 500 g of protein- source products and 90 g of fat (oil). In addition, prototypes of food packs were created as part of a national project, in line with the Latvian recommendations of a healthy diet and the nutrient and energy value requirements for pupils [ 22 ].…”