Lithuania to Fund Free Lunches for a Third of Students This Year

Lithuania is set to provide free lunches to a significant portion of its student population this year, aiming to ensure a welcoming start to the school year for all children. "It is important to me that September 1 is an equally anticipated holiday for all children," stated I. Ruginienė, emphasizing that families should not have to choose between essential school supplies and meals.

The state will finance free lunches for around 119,000 students. This initiative ensures that every child can receive warm, healthy meals at school. "State aid to families begins with very concrete things. That is precisely what we must ensure," the minister added.

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It is important to me that September 1 is an equally anticipated holiday for all children. That families do not have to choose which essential school supplies can be forgone, and that every child can receive warm, healthy meals at school.

Currently, free meals without income evaluation are provided to all preschoolers, first graders, and second graders. The government intends to extend this benefit to third graders starting next year and to fourth graders by 2028. Additionally, families with lower incomes may receive up to 148 euros per student annually for school supplies.

This measure is part of broader government efforts to address demographic challenges. The year 2027-2028 has been designated as the Year of the Family, with eight ministries proposing policies to combat the declining birth rate. The Ministry of Social Security and Labour's proposals include reviewing maternity benefits and parental leave, and introducing free meals for third and fourth graders.

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State aid to families begins with very concrete things. That is precisely what we must ensure.