Veterans Complete An Intensive under the “VARTO: Recipe of Care” Programme

Ukraine to Welcome New Drivers of the School Meals Reform as Veterans Complete Culinary and Business Intensive under the “VARTO: Recipe of Care” Programme

Participants of the VARTO: Recipe of Care grant programme have completed an intensive week of hands-on training focused on school meals. The initiative is implemented by the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine in partnership with the School Meals Reform Team, with the support of the “MHP-Hromadi” Charitable Foundation as part of the “MHP Poruch” individual support programme for service members, veterans and their families.

From 6 to 10 July, veterans took part in an intensive culinary and business training programme hosted at a state-of-the-art culinary hub within a vocational education institution. Upon successful completion, participants received certificates recognising their completion of the programme and readiness to apply modern approaches in the school meals sector.

The curriculum covered key areas, including the use of updated technological recipe cards, implementation of HACCP food safety standards, logistics, financial management and business planning. Throughout the programme, participants also refined their own business models in preparation for launching or expanding their enterprises.

The grants will enable veterans to build sustainable businesses, support their transition to civilian life and create new professional opportunities. At the same time, their work will contribute to providing Ukrainian schoolchildren with nutritious, high-quality and balanced meals.

The competition offers financial support ranging from UAH 500,000 to UAH 3 million for veteran-owned businesses. The funding will allow successful applicants to establish modern school catering facilities, upgrade school kitchens and launch hot meal delivery services in communities across Ukraine. The winners of the VARTO: Recipe of Care programme will be announced on 23 July.

Background

Ukraine’s School Meals Reform has been underway since 2020 at the initiative of First Lady Olena Zelenska. Beginning on 1 September 2026, the programme will expand through additional state funding to reach approximately three million children across the country. As a result, all students in Years 1 to 11 (12) attending public schools will receive free hot meals.