Starting this month, Ukrainian elementary school students
will receive free meals at school, the Cabinet announced on Oct. 4.
The UAH 2 billion ($49 million) program is financed from the state budget, with local authorities administering the funding allocation. Previously, only children from disadvantaged groups received free school meals.
The government clarified that local authorities can use the allocated funds to purchase food supplies or pay for catering services. The cost of hot meals for elementary students should not exceed the cost for students in grades 5-11, the announcement added.
“All processes must comply with legal requirements regarding the safety and quality of products,” the statement said.
“The subsidy is one step in the school nutrition reform.”