in educational centres for pupils from Ukraine, starting from January 3rd 2023.

As of 3 January, new regulations concerning subsidisation of meals for Ukrainian pupils in Polish kindergartens and schools came into force. This is related to changes in the Ministry of Family and Social Policy's programme regarding the provision of meals in schools.

In 2023, lunches will be 100% financed (served free of charge) only to children coming from families where the income per member does not exceed 1200 PLN per month. 50% subsidy will be available for children from families with an income of between 1200-1500 PLN per person, which means 50% of the cost of meals will have to be covered by their parents. Children from families with a higher income shall not receive meal subsidies, so the cost of lunches in educational establishments will have to be covered by the parents.

In order to receive a food subsidy for children learning in Polish educational institutions you must submit an application form to the Ośrodek Pomocy Społecznej (Social Assistance Centre) that is appropriate for your place of residence (here you can search for the nearest centre). The application must contain information on your family situation, your income and accommodation conditions. Documents confirming the source and amount of your income and assets are also required.

Please note that funds from the 500+ programme should not to be counted into your income and included in the aforementioned calculations, but other kinds of family benefits should be mentioned. Each case will be considered individually by the respective local centre and the decision will be made on the basis of the submitted set of documents. Funding children’s meals at educational centres will begin on the day of receipt of the positive decision.