Ukraine’s Government Allocates 1 Billion UAH to Provide Free School Meals for All Students

Key Issues Discussed at High-Level Meeting

According to Кабмін: Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko chaired a meeting with heads of regional military administrations (RMAs) to address defense, energy, preparations for the next heating season, and the school meal reform. The session aimed to align regional efforts with the government’s national priorities.

School Meal Reform

A central topic was regional readiness for the next phase of the school meal reform. Starting September 1, students in grades 1 through 11 across Ukraine are to receive hot lunches. Currently, free meals are already provided to all children in front-line communities and to elementary students (grades 1-4) nationwide. The government has also allocated 1 billion UAH to upgrade 73 school kitchen facilities throughout the country.

'School meals are not just about social support-they are about stimulating local economies, creating jobs, and backing Ukrainian producers,' Yuliia Svyrydenko stated during the meeting.

Advancing the school meal reform marks a significant step toward both social equity and local economic growth, as it encourages the patronage of Ukrainian food suppliers. The introduction of free hot lunches for all students from grades 1 to 11 is expected to reduce educational disparities and improve learning conditions. The government’s investment in modernizing school kitchens underscores its commitment to raising the quality of school nutrition across Ukraine.