Hot lunches for students returned to schools: details
4 October 2024 19:29
Ukraine has introduced free meals for primary school students for 2024. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with with reference citing the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.
Starting in October, primary school students (grades 1-4) will receive one-time free meals at school. For this purpose, the country has allocated UAH 2 billion from the budget, which will be transferred to local communities in the form of a subvention.
The subvention can be used to purchase food and to pay for catering and/or outsourcing services.
Key conditions for granting a subvention
- Hot meals are organised for all primary school students (grades 1-4).
- The educational institution organises full-time education or combines full-time and distance learning.
- Educational institutions can organise meals independently through outsourcing or cooperate with catering companies.
- The cost of hot meals for primary school students should not exceed the cost of meals for students in grades 5-11 (12).
- All processes must comply with the requirements of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 24.03.2021 No. 305, HACCP standards and food safety and quality legislation.
It should be noted that previously, hot lunches were provided only to privileged students, and funding was covered by local budgets. The state subvention will help ensure that all primary school students have an adequate level of nutrition and promote good eating habits from an early age.
