Ukraine Proposes to Implement the British 'School Milk' Model
The proposals are based on a system that has been in place in the United Kingdom for over 100 years. It provides full subsidies for milk to children under 5 years old and partial reimbursement for older schoolchildren.
According to data from the Cool Milk program, 82% of the population supports free milk provision at the initial stages of education. However, after the age of 5, the government covers more than 70% of the product's cost, yet some children lose access to the program due to the need for parental co-payment.
The Ukrainian Milk Producers Association (AVM) notes that implementing a similar model is especially relevant in the current conditions. The consequences of war—reduced family incomes, stress, and forced migration—heighten the risks of inadequate child nutrition.
The program is viewed not only as a social measure but also as a tool for restoring human capital.
Program Parameters
According to the association's calculations, by 2026 the program could cover:
- more than 4.4 million schoolchildren,
- a budget of about 14.4 billion UAH,
- a consumption norm of 200 ml of milk per day or the equivalent in dairy products.
The total demand volume could reach up to 150 thousand tons of milk per year, which is equivalent to about 5% of the country's industrial processing.
Implementing the program could become a significant driver for Ukraine's dairy industry, forming a stable domestic demand.
Against the backdrop of the industry's growing financial figures—in 2025, net profit increased to 2.64 billion UAH, and revenue rose by 18%—an additional sales channel could enhance producers' resilience.
Proposed Measures
To launch the program, AVM proposes:
- approving a national program at the state level,
- using Ukrainian-produced products in procurements,
- strengthening quality and origin control of products,
- conducting informational campaigns about the benefits of milk.
