Starting in 2023, Odesa has implemented a program to provide free hot meals for students in grades 1-4 and 5-11 from families that qualify for assistance. 

During wartime, children spend 3.5 hours at school. Therefore, if a child attends the first shift, they receive breakfast costing 55 UAH, and if they attend the second shift, they receive lunch costing 80 UAH. 

In October, the city received a state subsidy to cover meal costs for all students in grades 1-4 until the end of the year.

According to a resolution from the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the subsidy covers 70% of the meal costs for students in grades 1-4. An additional 30% (15 million UAH) was approved during an extraordinary session of the Odesa City Council on October 25.

Thus, after the tender process, all students in grades 1-4 will receive either breakfast or lunch until the end of 2024, depending on their school shift. 

Students in grades 5-11 from disadvantaged groups, including children of combatants (as specified by a separate decision of the Odesa City Council), will also continue to receive meals funded by the Odesa city budget.