Governor Claudio Poggi recently participated in the opening of “Nutrí tu Escuela,” a dedicated initiative focused on promoting healthy eating habits within the educational system. During the event, the Governor was received by Laura Capaldo, the Secretary of State for the Programa Alimentario Nutricional Escolar (PANE), and a specialist in pediatric nutrition, signaling a coordinated effort between provincial leadership and health experts to improve student wellness.
The “Nutrí tu Escuela” event underscores the administration’s objective to integrate nutrition as a cornerstone of public policy. By focusing on healthy eating, the initiative aims to support the physical and cognitive development of students across the province, recognizing that nutritional security is inextricably linked to academic success and long-term health outcomes.
Central to the execution of these goals is the Programa Alimentario Nutricional Escolar (PANE), the body responsible for the logistical and nutritional oversight of school meals. Under the current administration, PANE is tasked with the critical mission of delivering breakfasts, lunches, and snacks to thousands of students throughout the province, ensuring that dietary needs are met regardless of a student’s socioeconomic background.
The Leadership of PANE: Laura Capaldo’s Appointment
The strategic direction of PANE is currently led by Laura Capaldo, who was officially appointed as the Secretary of State for the program on July 7, 2025. Governor Claudio Poggi placed Capaldo in this role, highlighting her professional competencies and her extensive history within public management to lead the project responsible for the nutritional support of thousands of students.
During her appointment, Governor Poggi emphasized the importance of articulating PANE’s efforts with other key government sectors, specifically the ministries of Education and Health. This multidisciplinary approach is designed to ensure that the food provided in schools aligns with pediatric health standards and supports the broader educational goals of the province.
Capaldo has expressed a deep commitment to the role, stating her intention to apply her experience in public management to enhance the program. Her appointment was formalized through a decree read by the General Notary of the Government, Juan José Laborda Ibarra, and signed by both the Governor and the new Secretary on July 7, 2025.
Professional Trajectory and Public Service Experience
Laura Capaldo brings a diverse background in both the public and private sectors to her role at the helm of PANE. Her career has been characterized by a focus on educational inclusion and administrative leadership. Before her current appointment, she served in several key capacities within the Universidad de la República (ULP) and other provincial programs.
According to official records, Capaldo’s previous roles in public service include:
- Head of the Plan de Inclusión Educativa (PIE): A role highlighted by Governor Poggi as evidence of her experience managing massive public programs .
- Head of the Programa de Escuelas Públicas Digitales para Adultos (ULP): Managing digital literacy and educational access for adults .
- Head of the Plan 20/30 (ULP): Leading strategic planning initiatives at the university level .
- Sub-director of Copa de Leche and School Cooperatives: Starting in December 2023, she worked within the Ministry of Education specifically on the nutritional and cooperative aspects of PANE .
- Director of Sports Development and Infrastructure: From late 2024 until her appointment to PANE, she served in the Secretariat of Sports .
In addition to her administrative roles, Capaldo has experience in the private sector as a secondary school teacher in institutions within the city of San Luis, providing her with a first-hand perspective on the challenges facing students and educators in the classroom.
The Strategic Impact of School Nutrition
The integration of the “Nutrí tu Escuela” initiative within the framework of PANE reflects a shift toward viewing school nutrition not merely as a social service, but as a critical component of the public health infrastructure. By involving pediatric nutrition specialists, the province aims to ensure that the meals provided—breakfasts, lunches, and snacks—are nutritionally balanced and tailored to the developmental needs of children and adolescents.
The collaboration between PANE and the health and education sectors is essential for identifying nutritional deficiencies in the student population and implementing targeted interventions. This systemic approach is intended to reduce health disparities and ensure that all students, regardless of their home environment, have the nutritional foundation necessary to engage fully with their education.
Key Takeaways on PANE and ‘Nutrí tu Escuela’
- Objective: To promote healthy eating and provide essential meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks) to thousands of students.
- Leadership: Laura Capaldo serves as the Secretary of State for PANE, appointed on July 7, 2025.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: The program coordinates with the ministries of Health and Education and utilizes pediatric nutrition experts.
- Administrative Experience: The current leadership has a background in educational inclusion, digital schooling, and sports infrastructure.
As the province continues to implement the “Nutrí tu Escuela” guidelines, the focus remains on the sustainable delivery of high-quality nutrition to the student population. Further updates regarding the program’s expansion and its impact on student health are expected as the current administration continues to prioritize education and health as central pillars of its public policy.
For those seeking official updates on the Programa Alimentario Nutricional Escolar or provincial health initiatives, information is typically released through the official government channels of the Province of San Luis.
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