Penza, 17 April 2018. PenzaNews. It is unacceptable to save on food in schools of the Penza region. This opinion was expressed by governor Ivan Belozertsev commenting on the results of the monitoring during which violations such as the reduction of portions and the use of products cheaper than those stated in a mandatory menu were revealed in educational organizations.

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"We should look for other ways to reduce the cost of meals," the region head noted.

He suggested more active cooperation with local agricultural producers that can participate in the bidding for choosing suppliers of products for schools.

"Children's health directly depends on their nutrition. The menu should necessarily include beef, fruit and vegetables. Portions should be of full weight. The situation must be analysed and if necessary funding must be increased," the press service of the regional government quotes Ivan Belozertsev.

According to data of the regional department of the Federal Service on Surveillance for Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being (Rospotrebnadzor), in 2017 the coverage of pupils with hot meals was below the level of the previous year and amounted to 96.3%.

98.2% of primary school pupils and 94.8% of middle and senior school pupils eat at school.

Two hot meals daily were provided to 43.4% of pupils at school.