The First Lady Olena Zelenska and Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced plans for a significant expansion of the free hot meal program for schoolchildren in Ukraine during the conference 'August 2025: Education for a Changing World'.
Zelenska stated that the school meal reform is not only about updated cafeterias and modern kitchens but also about creating a sense of stability and care for children during wartime.
Over 1,000 kitchens have been modernized, more than 6,500 cooks have received training in culinary hubs, and 1.5 million primary school students receive free lunches every day.
Svyrydenko noted that the next step for the government will be to provide free quality meals for all students from grades 1 to 11 across the entire country starting next year, seeking additional resources in the budget.
Initiatives for School Meals
This summer, it was announced that students in grades 5-11 from communities located near the front line would also receive free hot meals starting from September 2025. The number of students receiving free meals has nearly doubled and will continue to grow.
The ministry plans to expand the program to all students in grades 5-6 across the country, regardless of the region, to improve students' access to quality nutrition.
Ukraine plans to significantly expand the free hot meal program for schoolchildren, covering all students from grades 1 to 11. This initiative aims to provide children with quality nutrition and create comfortable conditions for learning. Some steps have already been taken in this direction, but the government plans to expand this program by providing free lunches for students in all regions of the country. An important goal is to improve students' access to proper nutrition and enhance their well-being.