Russia to Allocate Nearly 80 Billion Rubles for Free School Meals in 2027

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In 2027, nearly 79.7 billion rubles ($1.1 billion) are planned to be allocated for providing free hot meals to primary school students in state and municipal schools across Russia, according to the draft federal budget for 2027 and the planning period of 2028–2029.

As per the explanatory note to the bill, subsidies for providing free hot meals to primary school students will amount to 79 billion 674.7 million rubles ($1.08 billion) in 2027.

Funding for the program is expected to decrease in the following two years. In 2028, the budget draft allocates 74 billion 561.2 million rubles ($1.02 billion), and in 2029, it is set at 73 billion 301.1 million rubles ($1 billion).

For comparison, in 2026, the government allocated 76 billion rubles ($1.04 billion) for providing free hot meals to schoolchildren.

(Note: Figures are approximate and based on an exchange rate of 70 rubles per dollar.)