INABIE accounts to the Chamber of Deputies regarding school meals
The executive director of the National Institute of Student Welfare (INABIE), Rafael Adolfo Pérez de León, appeared before the Permanent Commission on Family and the Parliamentary Front against Hunger of the Chamber of Deputies. The objective of the meeting was to clarify concerns regarding the quality of the school feeding service and the supplier contracting processes.
Deputy Nelsa Shoraya Suárez Ariza, who chairs both commissions, highlighted that the meeting was convened to obtain precise answers regarding public complaints about the state of the food supplied and the transparency of current tenders.
As deputies, we are concerned. Some reports of spoiled milk and some contracts have emerged; we want to have clarity about what is happening.
Nelsa Shoraya Suárez Ariza, deputy
Measures regarding irregularities and service quality
Regarding the reports of spoiled milk, Pérez de León assured that it was an isolated incident recorded in Santiago at the beginning of the school year. The official stressed that INABIE manages the daily distribution of nearly 2 million rations, and that upon receiving the report, the institution proceeded to immediately cancel the contract with the responsible company.
Likewise, the head of INABIE reported that, as part of quality control measures, 44 suppliers have been suspended in the first three weeks of classes for failing to meet the required technical standards.
Clarifications regarding hiring and payments
During the work session, the awarding of contracts to young people from the province of Azua to supply lunches in San Pedro de Macorís was questioned. In response, the executive director clarified that the geographical location of the suppliers is not an impediment, provided they have facilities in the service area that meet all legal and sanitary requirements.
- The unit cost of each school lunch plate remains at 93 pesos.
- The age of business owners is not a determining factor for the awarding of contracts.
- Payments to suppliers are strictly conditioned on the effective delivery of rations and the presentation of evidence.
Finally, Pérez de León emphasized that the institution maintains a performance-based payment policy: “If you don’t deliver, I don’t pay you,” reiterated the official, who also highlighted that the meeting’s agenda included the evaluation of nutrition and supplementation programs that benefit the student community nationwide.
