Hanoi to provide subsidized lunches for 770,000 primary students under new policy

THE HANOI TIMES — Some 770,000 primary school students in Hanoi will soon receive subsidized lunches, thanks to a resolution approved by the municipal People’s Council on July 9.

The policy applies to public and private schools but excludes foreign-invested institutions. It marks a major step in improving student welfare in the capital.

The policy will take effect in the 2025–2026 school year and will be fully funded by the city, with a budget of VND3.1 trillion (US$120 million). Students in remote areas will benefit from a daily meal subsidy of VND30,000 ($1.17), while others will be given VND20,000 ($0.78).

The subsidy will apply for up to nine months each year, assuming the cost of lunch is at least VND30,000.

For many working families, this decision is more than just a financial policy. It relieves a burden on household budgets.

Nguyen Thi Thanh, a factory worker in Thanh Tri District, told Tuoi Tre Thu Do (Capital Youth) newspaper that she can now save money on her children's monthly lunch expenses and put it towards other things.

“Now that these lunches are covered, I can consider signing my children up for art or dance classes. This small change makes a big difference.”

The city will allocate VND2.8 trillion ($110 million) for public schools and VND240 billion ($9 million) for eligible private schools. Families may pay the difference if the cost of meals exceeds the subsidy. The Hanoi authorities have committed to ensuring strict food safety and procurement standards across all districts.

Pham Thi Yen, a mother of two who works in the electronics sector in Bac Tu Liem District, described the policy as timely and practical: "We spend a lot on rent for a small apartment. Now, with the lunch subsidy, a burden has been lifted from my shoulders,” she said.

Educators view this policy not only as a support measure but also as a signal that no student should be left behind because of their family’s income level. Dang Thi Khoa, a kindergarten teacher in Tay Ho District, said: "Now, we can serve every child without distinction. That changes how they feel at school.”

The lunch subsidy complements a broader national effort to improve access to education. A recent Politburo decision to waive tuition fees for all public school students is also underway. Together, these policies aim to eliminate economic barriers that can subtly impact learning conditions and outcomes.

Nguyen Thi Huyen, a self-employed garment worker, said the impact goes beyond numbers. Despite its seemingly insignificant amount, thirty thousand dong adds up for us. It shows families like mine that we are noticed and that our children matter,” she said.

The Hanoi Department of Education and Training said it would issue detailed guidelines to ensure transparent spending of the subsidy. Schools will coordinate with licensed food suppliers and comply with hygiene and nutrition standards. Monitoring mechanisms will be put in place.

City officials noted that the policy was crafted in response to feedback from parents, teachers, and local authorities. In many neighborhoods, especially those where informal labor is common, the rising cost of school meals has become a growing concern.

In recent years, Hanoi has introduced several policies focused on children, including increased investments in educational infrastructure, digital learning, and free school health checkups. The lunch subsidy adds a practical and visible layer of support.

“In a big city, we often talk about construction and growth. But this is about building trust,” said a school principal in Dong Da District. "When the city takes care of something as basic as a meal, families can feel that their children's education is guaranteed."

As the new school year approaches, parents, teachers, and students alike are preparing for a small yet meaningful change: the daily reassurance of a warm, fairly served lunch.