From 2027, funding for school meals in Kyrgyzstan will be increased almost threefold

President Sadyr Zhaparov has decided to increase the funding rate for school meals to 40 KGS per day per pupil from 1 January 2027.

Currently, meals for pupils in years 1–4 of state schools are funded from the national budget at a rate of 14 KGS per day per child. Thus, the level of funding will almost triple.

As noted by the Presidential Administration, issues relating to children’s health, adequate nutrition and the development of a healthy lifestyle are of strategic importance for the country’s long-term socio-economic development. Therefore, ensuring high-quality school meals is viewed not only as a social support measure, but also as an investment in human capital.

It is expected that the increase in the standard will allow meat and fish dishes, as well as dairy products, to be included more frequently in school menus, and will also expand the range of fruit and vegetables. Furthermore, this should improve the variety and balance of the diet in terms of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

The authorities also hope that the decision will help reduce regional disparities in the organisation of school meals and alleviate the additional financial burden on schoolchildren’s families.

The Ministry of Finance has been instructed to allocate the necessary funds in the national budget to finance the new standard from 1 January 2027.