Free meals for all students starting in 2026
In Ukraine, starting from September 2026, all students in grades 1-11 will receive free meals. The government has already begun preparations for the implementation of this program and allocated a grant for its launch, amounting to nearly 5.9 billion UAH. This initiative is part of the state's efforts to improve learning conditions for children.
Funding for the program
As part of the program, the state budget for 2026 allocates funding of 14.4 billion UAH. This will ensure proper nutrition for students, regardless of their place of residence or format of education. It should be noted that the free meal program for students in grades 1-4 has been in effect since the beginning of 2025, and from September 2023, hot lunches have been provided to students in grades 1-11 in frontline communities.
'Our priority is to create conditions for safe and comfortable learning for every Ukrainian child, regardless of their place of residence or format of education.' - Yuliya Svyrydenko
The introduction of free meals for all students in Ukraine is an important step towards ensuring equal access to quality education and supporting children’s health. It is also part of a broader government program aimed at social protection and improving the quality of education in the country. The implementation of this initiative can positively impact student success, as proper nutrition contributes to better concentration and overall development of children.