40% by local government, 60% by the education office
Jeollanam-do and the Jeollanam-do Office of Education have finalized an agreement on the cost-sharing ratio for school free meal expenses with 40% by local governments and 60% by the education office, maintaining it for three years from 2026 to 2028. The photo shows the ‘Joint Task Force on School Meal Cost Ratio Adjustment’, consisting of representatives from both institutions. Provided by Jeollanam-do and Jeollanam-do Office of Education
, ‘【Financial News, Muan= Reporter Hwang Tae-jong】Jeollanam-do and the Jeollanam-do Office of Education have finalized an agreement on the cost-sharing ratio for school free meal expenses with 40% by local governments and 60% by the education office, maintaining it for three years from 2026 to 2028, as announced on the 18th. ‘,
, ‘As a result, in 2026, of the total project cost of 124.1 billion won, local governments will bear 49.6 billion won, and the Jeollanam-do Office of Education will bear 74.5 billion won, respectively. ‘,
, “Previously, Jeollanam-do and the Jeollanam-do Office of Education had difficulties in the collaboration process for the free meal budget cost-sharing ratio last year, but to improve the situation and strengthen cooperative relationships, a working committee was held from the beginning of this year, and in May, they formed a ‘Joint Task Force on School Meal Cost Ratio Adjustment’. “,
, “The ‘Joint Task Force’ consisted of 8 members, including representatives from Jeollanam-do, the Jeollanam-do Office of Education, the Jeollanam-do Council, and school meal stakeholders, and held three meetings from June to September to discuss the cost-sharing ratio for free meal expenses, methods of supplying eco-friendly agricultural products, and ways to expand the public meal integration platform (SeaT), among other efficient school meal operation plans. “,
, ‘During this process, two round-table meetings were held with the participation of experts and field stakeholders related to school meals to gather various opinions from schools, suppliers, and eco-friendly agricultural product producer groups. ‘,
, ‘Through consistent communication like this, the final agreements on the free meal cost-sharing ratio and duration, the supply method of eco-friendly agricultural products (in kind), and the promotion of the expansion of the public meal integration platform (SeaT) were reached, and these agreements were confirmed through the school meal support review committee. ‘,
, ‘Additionally, in this review committee, it was confirmed that the food cost for 2026 would be increased, maintaining the current unit price for kindergartens and elementary schools, increasing it by 100 won for middle schools, and 150 won for high schools. ‘,
, ‘Kim Dae-jung, the Superintendent of Jeollanam-do Office of Education, said, “This agreement started with the proposal of a ‘Joint Task Force’ initiated by the mediation of the Jeollanam-do Council’s Budget and Accounts Committee, leading to the practical implementation of the provincial ordinance,” and expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Jeollanam-do and the TF members while noting, “We will continue to expand a sustainable Jeollanam-do-style school meal model in collaboration with schools, local governments, and associations.” ‘,
, ‘Kim Young-rok, the Governor of Jeollanam-do, said, “This agreement is a meaningful achievement that takes Jeollanam-do and the Office of Education one step further to ensure the healthy future of students,” and emphasized that “It will serve as an important stepping stone in consistently strengthening the production and distribution base of eco-friendly agricultural products, providing a stable operational environment for nutrition teachers and suppliers, and we will continue to collaborate closely with the education office to ensure the further development of school meals in Jeollanam-do.” ‘