In the city of Odesa, younger schoolchildren will be assured meal provision until the end of the academic year.

Members of the Odesa City Council voted for an additional allocation of 20 million UAH from the city budget.

Meal provision for younger students is funded through a combination of state subsidies and the local budget, accounting for 70% and 30% respectively.

Currently, the funds from the state subsidy have run out, and no additional appropriations are expected at this time.

“I believe it’s wrong to stop meal provision in the middle of the academic year. I am pleased that most of you share this opinion. The decision made will ensure meal provision for this academic year regardless of the availability of state subsidies,” stated Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov.