The government allocated 14.4 billion hryvnias for free meals for schoolchildren: details of the reform

According to Кабмін: The number of children receiving free hot meals in Ukrainian schools has increased to 2 million. This important information was announced during a meeting where the progress of the school nutrition reform strategy for 2025 was discussed. In addition to the First Lady Olena Zelenska, government officials, heads of regional authorities, and international partners participated in the event.

According to Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, thanks to the active leadership of Olena Zelenska, this issue has become an integral part of government policy. The government allocated 14.4 billion hryvnias for the free meals program and the modernization of food blocks in 2026. Over the past two years, 215 kitchens in schools have been updated, and this year, 960 million hryvnias have been allocated for this purpose, with 1 billion hryvnias planned for next year.

Development of the Nutrition System

In order to prepare and enhance the qualifications of school cooks, culinary hubs are being created in vocational institutions. Thanks to the subsidies, 11 hubs have already been opened in 2024, and this year, eight more started operating. The government pays special attention to frontline regions, where free meals for elementary and middle school students have already been implemented this year.

“This reform is about supporting and strengthening communities at all levels: from children's health, improving family well-being to stimulating business and economic development,” emphasized Yulia Svyrydenko.

The Prime Minister called on entrepreneurs to join the school meals program as a business opportunity. Thus, the funds invested in this reform return to communities, contributing to their development.

Ukrainian schools provide free hot meals for 2 million children. Over the past two years, 215 kitchens in schools have been updated, and in 2026, 14.4 billion hryvnias have been allocated for free meals and the modernization of food blocks. The school nutrition reform is being rolled out across the country, with special attention given to frontline areas and support for entrepreneurs.