Canary Islands Government Increases Budget for School Meal Programs

Budget Allocation and Purpose

• The Canary Islands government has approved a nearly €890,000 budget boost.
• The funding supports school meal programs for public non-university schools during the 2025/2026 academic year.
• The goal is to provide essential subsidies to ensure students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, receive lunch services that promote equality and social inclusiveness.

Administrative Steps and Implementation

• Previous steps included early financial allocations to cover meal expenses from September 2025 to June 2026.
• Schools submitted verified data on student eligibility based on income.
• Funds are intended to fund meal services for 163 school days.
• The funds will be transferred directly to school accounts.
• Schools must validate their expenditures at the end of the academic year.

"This resolution highlights the importance of safeguarding public resources and emphasizes that schools must validate their expenditures at the end of the academic year."

Context and Additional Details

• The measure follows ongoing restructuring, such as the closure of some schools in La Palma, Tenerife, and La Gomera, which slightly affects financial calculations.
• The funds will be distributed with strict regulations to prevent misuse.
• This initiative underscores the regional government’s focus on inclusive education, ensuring all students have access to nutritious meals that bolster learning and social stability.