The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, in accordance with article 12 of Law 4455/2017 (G.G. Α’ 22) plans, coordinates and supervises the program entitled «School Meals». The Organisation of Welfare Benefits and Social Solidarity (ΟPΕΚΑ) (Ministerial Decision Δ14/οικ.21446/488/11.04.2018 G.G. Β’ 1299) is responsible for the management of this program.
This program is being implemented since 2017 and provides school meals to public Primary School pupils, in order to mee,t as much as possible, the feeding needs of this population group. Moreover, it aims at facilitating the socialization of pupils, preventing school dropouts, building a sense of community during lunchtime, in order to develop a spirit of cooperation and solidarity within the school community. It is also a good practice for the development of healthy eating habits based on the Mediterranean diet.
The program is being implemented in 1.353 schools throughout the country, by joint decision of the Deputy Ministers of Education and Religious Affairs and of Labour and Social Affairs (Φ.14/ΦΜ/177657/2020 G.G. Β’ 5886). The program is being extended and gradually includes new school units.