School feeding programs are incorporating quinoa into student diets, a nutritious, climate-resilient grain, enhancing visibility and viability through packaging support, improved post-harvest techniques, and value-added products. Bhutanese authorities are integrating quinoa into school meals to improve student nutrition and boost domestic agriculture, addressing concerns about NCDs, nutrient deficiencies, and erosion of traditional food culture.
Bartsham Central School’s principal, Dawa Gyeltsen, worries about quinoa production’s sufficiency for nationwide demand, while National Post Harvest Centre develops quinoa-based products and supports farmers. The initiative supports local farmers’ economic empowerment and health outcomes, promoting healthier food choices and a healthier future for families in Bartsham, despite concerns about chemicals. Bhutan’s One Country One Priority Product initiative, focusing on quinoa, is addressing malnutrition, rural poverty, and declining dietary diversity in school meals, aligning with the country’s development vision.