In response to rising prices and increasing food procurement costs, the K–12 Education Administration continues to promote subsidies for public kindergarten meal expenses. Since the 113th academic year, it has assisted municipalities and county governments in raising meal budgets through joint funding from central and local governments, ensuring that children can consistently receive nutritionally balanced, high-quality meals at school.
The Administration stated that subsidies will continue in the 114th academic year, with total funding of approximately NT$4 billion, including about NT$3.5 billion provided by the Administration to support meal services at public kindergartens nationwide. Through institutionalized financial support, children's diets are protected from price fluctuations, demonstrating the government's long-term commitment to early childhood nutrition and healthy development.
From a policy perspective, the Administration noted that nutrition is closely linked to children's physical and mental development. Efforts will continue to focus on meal provision principles, nutritional standards, and practical implementation, assisting local governments and schools in establishing a sound and comprehensive kindergarten meal system.
Regarding staffing, subsidies are also provided to support dedicated kitchen staff in public kindergartens. In the 114th academic year, subsidies will cover 1,702 kitchen workers, with funding of approximately NT$2.55 billion, strengthening on-site meal preparation capacity and overall food quality.
Considering regional differences in living costs and food procurement conditions, current reference standards are NT$95 per day in general areas and NT$105 per day in remote areas, with flexibility granted to local governments for adjustments. The Administration emphasized that it will continue to monitor implementation and price changes, reviewing supporting measures as needed to ensure quality, nutrition, and stability in public kindergarten meal services.
