(The photo is illustrative. SOURCE: school65.zp.ua)
Starting in September, school lunches in Pivdenoukrainsk, Mykolaiv region, will be free for all students in grades 1-11 of lyceums and gymnasiums.
This was announced by Yuriy Sinchuk, head of the education department in Pivdenoukrainsk, during a meeting of the executive committee on August 13.
According to local authorities, the program is funded by a government subvention, which is part of First Lady Olena Zelenska's initiative for the frontline regions. Previously, only primary school students and privileged categories were provided with free meals in the community.
Members of the executive committee expressed some skepticism about the innovation. They are concerned about whether state aid will be wasted, as students accustomed to fast food may not like dishes made from healthy foods such as legumes or beets. It is also noted that the workload on school canteens will triple, which will require better organization of cooking and eating for all students.
The government has allocated funds to improve nutrition for schools in Mykolaiv region. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has decided to allocate a subvention from the state budget to improve the quality of hot meals for primary school students in schools in Mykolaiv region.
A total of UAH 6 million 569 thousand 600 is allocated for these purposes, which will be used to modernize school canteens, purchase quality products and ensure compliance with modern nutrition standards. The funding comes from the UN World Food Program and will be distributed among 26 territorial communities in the region. The funds have been transferred to a special account of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and will be used to improve the nutritional conditions of schoolchildren.
Катерина Глушко