Chilean Lawmakers Alert UNICEF to Government’s Threat to School Feeding Program

Original article: Diputados denuncian ante Unicef amenaza de eliminar el Programa de Alimentación Escolar por parte del Gobierno de Kast

Chilean lawmakers Luis Cuello (PC), Juan Santana (PS), Patricio Pinilla (DC), and deputies Daniela Serrano (PC) and Lorena Pizarro (PC) have urged UNICEF to respond to the Kast administration’s threat to eliminate the School Feeding Program (PAE) and other vital initiatives that support the education of children and adolescents in Chile.

Their action took the form of a letter addressed to Violet Speek-Warnery, the Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Chile. In it, they caution that Circular No. 16 from the Ministry of Finance—issued during the preparation of the 2027 Budget and the financial programming for 2028-2031—includes recommendations to discontinue several programs within the Ministry of Education, including the School Feeding Program.

Regarding this, Deputy Cuello, who initiated the appeal, asserted that «the mere threat of discontinuing the school feeding program, which currently benefits nearly 2 million children and adolescents, infringes on the right to adequate nutrition established in international treaties.»

“Furthermore,” the legislator added, “this crosses an ethical line by attempting to save money at the expense of children, only to redistribute resources through tax cuts for large corporations.”

«That is why we have sent a letter to UNICEF today, requesting their stance on this government directive aimed at restricting and eliminating such an essential program,» emphasized Deputy Cuello.

In turn, Deputy Juan Santana, another proponent of the initiative, indicated that this action aims «first and foremost to alert about this situation, and simultaneously, to have this agency speak out, influence, and assist the Chilean State regarding the significance of a program like this.»

“What we have observed from the government in recent days is not only indifference and ignorance regarding the importance of school feeding but also an economic view of this critical public policy, focusing solely on its financial assessment while completely neglecting the social benefits. We believe that a specialized perspective like that of UNICEF can help in the goal of maintaining and strengthening this program,” explained the socialist parliamentarian.

What Does the Letter Say?

In the document, the lawmakers argue that this measure cannot be seen as an isolated incident but rather as part of a fiscal design linked to the government’s tax reform, which proposes tax cuts for big businesses, and to offset the reduced revenue, pushes for cuts in social programs.

In this context, they warn that this decision from the Executive implies eliminating and reducing funding for key programs within the Ministry of Education, directly affecting the economic, social, and cultural rights of children and adolescents, particularly in more vulnerable sectors.

Moreover, they emphasize that even though the President has publicly stated that there is no intention to implement these measures, such declarations are not binding, while the Circular maintains full legal validity as it has not been amended by another administrative act.

Considering UNICEF’s mission to protect children’s rights, the lawmakers requested that the agency evaluate issuing a statement reaffirming the state’s obligation not to regress in guaranteeing the right to food for children and adolescents.

Read the full letter HERE