The pilot program "Hot meal for students" was adopted by the Government in yesterday’s cabinet meeting, according to Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos. The first phase will include 50 schools.

The pilot project involves granting a hot meal or a food package at school every day within the limit of RON 7 (EUR 1.5) per day for each beneficiary. The pilot program’s implementation will cost some EUR 7.7 million, which will be provided from the state budget.

The Government has chosen schools from several geographic areas and from different social environments to be part of the pilot project. The program will replace the national “Milk and bagel” and the “Fruit in schools” programs in the selected schools.

The project’s results during the 2016-2017 school year will confirm whether it can be expanded at national level, Ciolos said. He added that the Government would support this program, but he also asked the local authorities to offer support.

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