As part of a campaign initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry in partnership with several farmer associations, kindergartens and foster care centers will receive free local food products for 2 years. The first shipment was distributed on Wednesday, August 24, to five foster care centers in Chisinau, IPN reports.

“We want to promote local products”, said Minister of Agriculture Eduard Grama. As part of the campaign, initially the institutions will receive fresh fruits and vegetables. When these finish, they will receive juices and canned goods.

The costs will be covered by the Ministry of Agricutlure and the “Moldova Fruct” Association, while the World Bank will also participate.

“Moldova Fruct” executive director Iurie Fala said that farmers embraced the Ministry’s idea. “We will offer the kids apples, pears, grapes, apricots, cherries, plums and berries”, added Fala.

Tatiana Nagnibeda-Tverdohleb, head of the education, youth and sport municipal division, lauded the initiative. “We are moving from talking to acting. Our greatest asset is agriculture. Our produce must be promoted abroad, but also consumed here at home”, she said.

The project will last 2 years and will take place throughout the whole country.