According to data provided by the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration to NGO "RESISTANCE", in 2026 UAH 409.99 million in state subvention is allocated for meals for pupils of general secondary schools in the region. After the free meals programme was extended to all pupils in grades 1-11, the subvention was additionally increased by about UAH 271.9 million. Local budget funds are added separately, since the state finances an estimated UAH 50 for pupils in grades 1-4 and UAH 60 for grades 5-11, and communities cover the difference up to the actual cost. And there are already questions about how this works in practice.
At Chernivtsi Lyceum No. 9, after a public outcry over meals, the regional administration carried out an inspection. It found the poor condition of some kitchens, problems with technological processes, staff sanitary clothing and delivery of ready meals in containers that did not keep the required temperature. After the remarks, some shortcomings were fixed. Meals at the lyceum are organised by PNVKP Alhorytm.
And here is some interesting maths: the inspection found that this contractor's meal organisation service alone costs UAH 38.78 per portion - without food! After that, Chernivtsi City Council was advised to review the cost of the services. In addition, police opened criminal proceedings over the meals situation at Lyceum No. 9. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing, and the contractor says it committed no violations.
There are questions about other procurements in the region too. Putyla lyceum signed a meals contract for UAH 2.89 million after no bidder applied to the open tender. The cost is UAH 65 for grades 1-4 and UAH 75 for grades 5-11. The Western Office of the State Audit Service has already taken an interest in the procurement and started monitoring.
Hundreds of millions of budget hryvnias go to school meals, and NGO "RESISTANCE" believes it is necessary to look not only at the menu, but also at contracts, contractors, the price of one portion and the real quality of what children receive.
We keep collecting replies by region and checking procurements.