Published: 8 July, 2007, 07:50
Edited: 8 July, 2007, 07:50
Every day thousands of Russian mothers and fathers receive free supplies of milk for their young children. The programme has been in place since Soviet times in an effort to improve child health.
Milk supply centres, where parents of children under two years old can get all kinds of free products, have existed for many decades in Russia. Every morning thousands of moms and dads drop in to get fresh and healthy milk for their little ones. And this service is not only for those who can't afford to buy it.
“We come here not only because it's free, but because it is specially produced with extra vitamins. And we know that the best before date is always observed. That's important,” said a father who came to use the service.
Raising a child in such an expensive city like Moscow is becoming more difficult, especially for single mothers.
“Of course, this milk distribution service is a great support for our little family. The products we get there cover almost half of my baby food expenses,” Irina, single mother, notes.
The benefit that mothers get from the state is definitely not enough to cover all child care costs.
“I don't know how I would raise my child if I were a single mother, says young mother Olga. We spend at least $US 800 a month on our child. Everything's so expensive, especially the nappies,” she complains. But Olga is lucky. Her husband makes good money. Olga's family saves the equivalent of around $US 100 a month on their baby's food. For her family it's not big money, but for some other mothers who receive a bit more than $US 200 of state benefit a month it does make a difference.
Some are suggesting it's time to make a proposal to the government to open free nappy distribution centres which would be a great help for mothers, but free milk products for children are also a support.