From September 2026, all Ukrainian students from 1st to 11th grade will receive free meals regardless of their place of residence or format of education. The government is already preparing the necessary solutions and funding within the state budget for this. This was reported by the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yulia Svyrydenkо.
Free school meals in 2026: what the government plans
For the first stage of the program in 2026, nearly 5.9 billion UAH of subsidies have already been directed to communities. The funds are intended to ensure the organization of free meals for secondary and senior school students. In total, 14.4 billion UAH is allocated in the state budget for the school meal program in 2026.
Funding has also been separately allocated for updating and modernizing school kitchens so that children receive not only free but also quality and safe food.
The school free meal program: how it works now
Since the beginning of 2025, free meals have already been implemented for students in grades 1–4 across Ukraine. From September, hot meals also began to be provided to students in grades 1–11 in frontline communities.
The government emphasizes that the expansion of the program is part of the state policy to support families and create comfortable learning conditions. A priority remains to ensure equal access to meals for all children, regardless of where they live and the security situation.
Recall that from January 1, 2026, new unemployment assistance standards will be introduced in Ukraine, as well as increased salaries for social workers and educators.