The Romanian government approved a budget of over 802 million lei (approximately 157.4 million euro) for the national school program for the 2026–2027 academic year, according to an official decision adopted on August 28. As reported by Oficiul de Știri, the funding will provide free milk, bakery products, and fruits to 1,864,474 preschoolers and students across the country.
Budget Allocation and Funding Sources for 2026–2027
According to project data released by the government, the total value of the program reaches 802,447,000 lei. Out of this total sum, 89.1 million lei represents financial assistance from the European Union through the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (FEGA), while 713,347,000 lei comes from the state budget, as noted by Oficiul de Știri. Economica.net reported that this year’s total budget is slightly higher than the previous year’s allocation of approximately 798.1 million lei.
The funds are divided across several specific categories to cover nutritional items and mandatory educational measures. Distribution breaks down into the following allocations based on government project data:
- Milk and dairy products: 376,214,000 lei
- Bakery products (including corn bread, rolls, biscuits, and pretzels): 242,307,000 lei
- Fruits and vegetables: 107,393,000 lei
- Educational measures: 37,289,000 lei
- Program evaluation: 1,955,000 lei
Administrative Updates and Remote Learning Rules
The newly adopted normative act introduces mandatory administrative procedures. According to official project rules, payment requests must now be submitted through the information system of the Agency for Payment and Intervention for Agriculture (APIA) within three months of the end of the school year. Furthermore, APIA must centralize and report data regarding beneficiaries, suppliers, distributed quantities, and fund utilization.
If total eligible claims exceed Romania’s allocated ceiling of European funds, financial aid will be reduced proportionally across all eligible applications. Additionally, the project expands the scenarios in which distribution can continue during physical class suspensions. Beyond epidemiological situations, new rules cover labor conflicts, extreme weather, infrastructure or utility issues, massive pollution, or other official decisions requiring online learning systems, ensuring alternative methods for food delivery and educational activities.
Broader Context and Implementation Debates
The school program is modeled after the European distribution scheme for milk, fruits, and vegetables in educational units. Earlier in the spring, authorities, school representatives, processors, and education organizations gathered in Bucharest to debate the reform of the program’s implementation. A national study conducted by IRES revealed that while parents appreciate the program and it holds high social legitimacy, it operates inconsistently across communities and requires stronger educational components, better integration of local producers, and simplified administrative procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total budget for the Romanian school program in 2026–2027?
The approved budget is 802,447,000 lei, funded by both European and national sources.
How many students benefit from the program?
According to Oficiul de Știri, the program covers 1,864,474 preschoolers and students.
What products are distributed to children?
Students receive milk and dairy products, bakery items like rolls and biscuits, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
How are payments submitted under the new rules?
Payment requests must be submitted through APIA’s information system within three months after courses end.
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