School canteens in Mykolaiv region are not ready for the school year

Mykolaiv region is checking the readiness of schools and kindergartens for the new school year.

This was reported by the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection.

The inspection, conducted in <b>58 educational institutions</b> in Mykolaiv district, revealed that most school canteens are not ready. The commissions recorded a number of serious violations. Many schools and kindergartens lack quality drinking water and hot water supply in canteens and bathrooms. In addition, canteens lack necessary equipment, such as refrigerators and kitchen appliances. It also turned out that not all employees had undergone mandatory medical examinations, and the four-week menu had not been properly approved, which casts doubt on the quality of the children's meals.

Starting in September, school lunches will be free for all students in grades 1-11 of lyceums and gymnasiums in Pivdenoukrainsk, Mykolaiv region. According to local authorities, the program is funded by a state 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