Newsroom
More than 3,600 kindergarten children in Cyprus are now receiving free breakfast at public schools in Larnaca and free Famagusta, under a new pilot program launched by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth.
The “Breakfast for All” scheme covers around 2,600 children in Larnaca and 1,000 in Famagusta, offering a prepared morning meal before classes begin.
The initiative, already up and running on a trial basis, is part of government commitments for 2026 and was approved by the Council of Ministers.
Officials say the goal is simple and practical: make sure children are not starting their school day hungry, while also helping families at a time when everyday costs continue to rise.
The breakfast menus have been designed with input from nutrition experts and clinical dietitians, in line with World Health Organization guidelines, focusing on balanced and healthy options for young children.
Behind the scenes, the program is being closely monitored during this pilot phase, with schools collecting feedback on food quality, portion size, and how well the meals are received by pupils.
The project is being funded through a €1.5 million donation from Allwyn (OPAP Cyprus), with additional support expected from the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation from September onwards.
The ministry says it has also set up direct communication channels between parents, teachers, and relevant services so any issues can be addressed quickly during the rollout.
For many families, especially with rising living costs, the program is expected to offer a small but meaningful relief, and for thousands of children, it simply means one less worry in the morning: breakfast is already waiting at school.
