Paraguay Proposes New Economic Model to Optimize School Feeding Program
- The Chamber of School Feeding of Paraguay (CAEP) is presenting a technical-economic proposal to the National School Feeding Council (Conaes) to optimize the Hambre Cero program through 2030.
- Víctor Mendoza, president of CAEP, told Universo 970/Nación Media that the proposal focuses on expanding the number of beneficiaries within the productive chain.
- Paraguay currently maintains the lowest cost per plate for school meals in the region, according to data provided by Mendoza.
The Chamber of School Feeding of Paraguay (CAEP) is presenting a technical-economic proposal to the National School Feeding Council (Conaes) to optimize the Hambre Cero program through 2030. The plan aims to lower reliance on imports by integrating local micro, small, and medium enterprises (mipymes) and industrializing national produce to ensure economic sustainability and logistical efficiency.
Víctor Mendoza, president of CAEP, told Universo 970/Nación Media that the proposal focuses on expanding the number of beneficiaries within the productive chain. The strategy includes the use of frozen products and the industrialization of tomatoes to prevent shortages caused by seasonal availability. Mendoza stated that the plan also involves the local production of desserts and sauces through mipymes to replace imported inputs with national ingredients and labor.
Regional Cost Comparisons for School Meals
Paraguay currently maintains the lowest cost per plate for school meals in the region, according to data provided by Mendoza. This disparity persists despite the fact that providers in Paraguay bear a heavier operational and economic burden than those in neighboring countries.
Mendoza explained that in Argentina and Brazil, the state or municipalities typically hire the cooks and provide the necessary infrastructure and gas. In contrast, the entire integrated service in Paraguay falls upon the private provider.
The CAEP provided the following cost breakdowns for school lunches:
- Uruguay: 28,000 guaraníes
- Chile: 20,800 guaraníes
- Paraguay (Catering): 18,000 guaraníes
- Paraguay (School-based preparation): 15,500 guaraníes
Current distribution data shows that 80% of the program is prepared within educational institutions across 15 departments. The remaining 20% is handled via catering services in Asunción and the Central department.
Proposed Financial Adjustments and 2030 Projections
The proposal includes an economic analysis of 2024 with projections extending to 2030, aligning with the timeline for future program tenders. Mendoza indicated that the chamber is seeking to define the actual cost each ration should have based on the regional comparative study.
Due to inflationary pressures on food prices, CAEP is not requesting a general price increase. Instead, the chamber is proposing the unification of rates for identical menus and the establishment of price projection mechanisms or adjustments over a three-year period.
The complete document containing these technical and economic suggestions is being submitted officially to the National School Feeding Council.