Interim progress in implementing the Strategy for Reforming the School Nutrition System discussed in Kyiv
On December 16, Kyiv hosted a working meeting to review the interim progress in implementing the Strategy for Reforming the School Nutrition System, during which key achievements and the next steps of the reform were discussed. The working meeting was attended by Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, representatives of key ministries, the Office of the President of Ukraine, regional military administrations, local self-government bodies, diplomatic missions, and international organizations.
Participants discussed the ongoing transition of the reform, which continues despite the war, from targeted measures to a systematic state policy encompassing children's health, infrastructure, financing, workforce, and food culture. Currently, more than 2 million children in Ukraine receive free hot meals, with the next major goal being to expand coverage to 3 million pupils.
The reform, initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska, is being implemented collaboratively by the state, local communities, and international partners, with structured coordination at the national, regional, and local levels. The initiative aims to provide all children—regardless of where they live—with sustainable, high-quality, safe, and equitable access to nutritious meals. On a global scale, it also seeks to promote a culture of healthy eating among children and their families.
“Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death in many countries around the world. Even the strongest healthcare systems cannot address these diseases. Therefore, the School Nutrition Reform focuses on changing the philosophy of eating and developing healthy habits from childhood. Children who eat balanced meals at school every day bring these habits home and influence the nutrition of their families. Adults are the second key drivers of change. Starting in 2026, the ‘Health Screening 40+’ program will enable the timely detection of risks for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other chronic conditions, allowing for preventive actions before complications occur. Healthy eating among children and early risk detection in adults follow the same principle. This is systematic prevention, not merely a reaction to consequences, aiming not only to extend the life expectancy of Ukrainians but also to prolong their active, healthy years.”
The Minister noted that in 2019, Ukraine conducted the STEPS survey for the first time. The results revealed a high prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Ukrainians. According to the findings, 9 out of 10 premature deaths are caused by NCDs, with over 60% attributable to cardiovascular diseases. Key risk factors include unhealthy diets among adults. Approximately 87% of Ukrainians consume more than the daily recommended limit of 5 grams of salt, averaging 12.6 grams—more than twice the maximum recommended level. More than 66% of adults consume insufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables. Excess body weight was observed in 58% of men and 60% of women, while obesity was present in over 20% of men and about 30% of women. Additionally, about 35% of Ukrainians had high blood pressure, and nearly 41% had high total cholesterol levels.
The systematic nature of the problem of unhealthy eating is further demonstrated by the findings of the 2024 WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) conducted in Ukraine. Among children aged 6 to 8, nearly 23% were overweight, including over 9% with obesity and more than 2% with severe obesity. Only about half of the children adhere to the Ministry of Health's recommended guidelines of consuming fruits and vegetables daily. However, a survey of parents revealed that children consume excessive amounts of sugar. The study also found that children are insufficiently physically active: one-third either do not engage in any physical activity or spend less than one hour per week participating in high-intensity physical activities.
The research data will facilitate future evaluations of the effectiveness of School Nutrition Reform, adjustments to strategies for preventing NCDs from early childhood, and the development of a safe educational environment. The Minister announced that the second phase of the COSI study is scheduled for 2026–2027.
Additionally, the Minister stated that next year will mark the beginning of updated nutrition approaches in healthcare institutions, starting with pediatric facilities and subsequently expanding to adult care institutions.