Changes in school nutrition: what awaits students

The reform of nutrition in Ukrainian schools is being actively implemented, and the first results have already appeared.

The Ukrainian delegation presented its achievements for the first time at the international summit of the School Meals Coalition in Brazil, which includes more than a hundred countries. Ukraine became part of the coalition in 2023. This summit, held under the patronage of the Brazilian President, serves as an essential platform for discussing school nutrition issues. The delegation was headed by Deputy Minister of Health Edem Adamanov.

The summit demonstrated the achievements of the reform initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska in 2020. Among the main results are the training of 6,500 cooks, the adoption of the National Nutrition Development Strategy until 2027, and the opening of the first kitchen factory in Bucha, which provides schoolchildren with food every day.

“We already have successes — updated catering units, a modern kitchen factory, and training thousands of specialists. However, the most important thing is that we are creating an environment where children in schools receive high-quality and safe food,” said Edem Adamanov.

However, the reform does not stop there. Large-scale changes are planned for the next two years. From October 2026, about 4.4 million students in grades 1-11 will have the opportunity to receive free hot meals. It is also planned to modernize more than 6,000 food units and train another 12,000 cooks.

The government has planned to create at least 30 new culinary hubs to improve the professional skills of cooks in different regions. This is not only an update of school canteens, but also the formation of a new food culture that combines education and a healthy lifestyle.

Recall that there were scandals related to food in schools earlier, but now new rules are being introduced aimed at improving the quality of lunches for children.