Challenges and Proposals for the Redesign of the Glass of Milk Program in Peru, 2026

Aquino Vivanco O.; Castillo Montalvan R.; Campomanes Marquez M.; Baquerizo Sedano L. · Nutricion Clinica y Dietetica Hospitalaria (2026) · DOI: 10.12873/ncdh-2026-164

Resumen

Introduction: The Glass of Milk Program (PVL), established in 1985 as a public food assistance policy, is a cornerstone in the fight against child malnutrition in Peru. It has significant nationwide coverage and strengthens community organization and women’s leadership in local governance. However, limitations persist: low nutritional quality, overlap with other social programs, limited age differentiation, logistical weaknesses, and insufficient intersectoral coordination. Objetive: Conduct a critical analysis of the PVL, identifying its main achievements and limitations, and propose recommendations for improvement aimed at strengthening its nutritional relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability as a public policy. Materials and Methods: A qualitative documentary analysis with a critical focus on the PVL was conducted, based on a systematic review of national regulations, official reports, statistics, and relevant academic literature. Analytical tools specific to the public policy analysis approach were used, including problem and objective trees, in order to identify the immediate, underlying, and structural causes of child malnutrition, as well as the expected outcomes in terms of human development. Results: Guidelines are proposed for its redesign: improving targeting, diversifying and enriching the nutritional content with local foods, establishing age-specific rations, incorporating nutrition education, strengthening community-based management through implementation groups, and promoting the use of digital platforms to ensure transparency. Conclusions: It is concluded that reforming the PVL would enable a preventive public policy that prioritizes equity, cultural relevance, and sustainability.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Universidad Continental; Universidad Privada del Norte