From September 2026: Free lunches for all Ukrainian schoolchildren from grades 1 to 11.

According to ТСН: In Ukraine, starting from September 2026, students in grades 1-11 will be able to receive free meals.

This was announced by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.

"Since the beginning of 2025, free meals have been provided for students in grades 1-4 throughout Ukraine, and starting from September, hot lunches will also be provided to students in grades 1-11 in frontline communities," emphasized the head of the Cabinet.

She noted that the government is working on all necessary decisions to implement this plan. In the first phase of the program, almost 5.9 billion UAH was allocated as a subsidy to local communities to ensure meals for schoolchildren in 2026.

Svyrydenko also pointed out that the state budget for 2026 allocates 14.4 billion UAH for this program. Additionally, funding is planned for the modernization of school kitchens, so that children will receive not only free but also quality meals.

Moreover, the Prime Minister mentioned that teachers' salaries will increase by 30% already in January. She added that the next stage of the reform is scheduled for September 2026, when teachers' salaries are expected to rise by another 20%.

The Ministry of Education and Science clarified that according to the government's decision, the overall increase in teachers' salaries over the year will amount to 50%, and this will apply not only to school teachers but also to specialists in extracurricular, vocational, and pre-higher education.

This step is important for improving learning conditions and supporting teachers in Ukraine. Free meals for schoolchildren and rising teachers' salaries can positively impact the quality of education, which, in turn, will contribute to the development of the national education system in the face of modern challenges.