On February 16, representatives from the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and Yeremyan Projects convened to evaluate the outcomes of their joint initiative, the "Milk to Schools" project. The event was held at Yeremyan Project’s unique livestock complex in Tashir community of Lori province.

The "Milk to Schools" project kicked off in December 2022 with the signing of a cooperation agreement between Nanna Skau, WFP Representative and Country Director in Armenia, and Davit Yeremyan, Founder and CEO of Yeremyan Projects. Designed to promote milk consumption as part of a healthy breakfast for both children and adults in Armenia, the project aimed to reduce the intake of unhealthy snacks like sugary and salty foods, while also cultivating a lasting demand for milk as healthy lifestyle choice.

"The UN World Food Program highly values its cooperation with Yeremyan Projects in fostering improved nutrition and behavioral change in Armenia”, said Nanna Skau, WFP Representative and Country Director in Armenia and added: “WFP values this collaboration with 'Yeremyan projects' to tackle nutrition and behavior change in Armenia. Thanks to this public-private partnership and the company's social responsibility, we have stirred up a recipe for healthier habits that fuel young minds and bodies. WFP is all about empowering children to be the drivers of change, and thanks to this teamwork, they were not only given the opportunity to build healthy dietary habits, but also improve their learning abilities. With a simple idea in mind "just one glass of milk at a time", we're shaping a brighter tomorrow for them and fostering enduring change for generations to come”.



Since 2019, Yeremyan Projects has spearheaded agricultural projects based on the "From Seed to Table" concept. In partnership with WFP, the "Milk to Schools" project was piloted from January to December 2023 in the Vayots Dzor region. Schools No. 1 in Jermuk and No. 1 in Yeghegnadzor participated in the pilot, benefiting approximately 411 students in grades 5-9 who received a daily glass of milk, contributing to a healthier start to their day.

Reflecting on the project's achievements, Davit Yeremyan, Founder and CEO of Yeremyan Projects, affirmed, "The results of the ‘Milk to Schools’ project confirm that we initiated and executed the right strategy to foster a new culture of milk consumption." He emphasized the importance of instilling healthy habits early on and expressed confidence in the project's scalability and future impact.

At the project's conclusion, WFP assessed behavioral changes among children, noting a significant increase in milk consumption and a decrease in the intake of sweet drinks. Research conducted at the beginning and end of the program revealed positive shifts in attitudes towards milk among participating children, with a notable increase in preference for milk as a beverage of choice.

Parental feedback echoed the positive impact of the project, with a significant proportion reporting changes in their children's milk consumption habits and preferences. Evaluation studies also indicated a decrease in the consumption of carbonated beverages and an increase in milk consumption among schoolchildren, underscoring the project's effectiveness in promoting healthier dietary choices.

The stakeholders affirmed the project's potential for continuity, signaling a commitment to sustaining its positive impact on communities.