Over UAH 83.6 million allocated to frontline communities for free meals in public schools

For the 2026–2027 academic year, the Government has distributed more than UAH 83,615,800. The funds will be directed to communities in Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Chernihiv regions to organize free hot meals for students in 1,786 general secondary education institutions.

These are regions supported by the UN World Food Programme, where a special co‑financing mechanism is in place for primary school meals. From the state budget, UAH 35 is allocated per primary school student, while an additional UAH 15 is provided by the UN World Food Programme. This approach ensures free hot meals for children and supports communities working under difficult conditions.

The mechanism makes it possible to guarantee free hot meals even in communities facing constant security challenges, while also preparing in advance for the new school year. Early distribution of funds allows communities to carry out procurement, sign contracts with suppliers, and organize meals for children right from the start of the academic year.

It's worth mentioning that from September 1, 2026, free hot meals will be provided to all students in public general secondary education institutions across Ukraine.

For communities in frontline and border regions, a special financing mechanism will serve as additional support, ensuring this state guarantee can be fulfilled even under wartime conditions.

With support from the EU Anti‑Corruption Initiative in Ukraine (EUACI), a digital tool is being developed to track food prices and the cost of catering services in schools.

Funding for student meals is part of the school nutrition reform launched in 2020 at the initiative of Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska. The reform aims to provide children with high‑quality, safe, and balanced meals, update approaches to food organization, and foster a culture of healthy eating in Ukrainian families.