The resolution applies to all primary school pupils enrolled in public educational institutions (excluding foreign‑invested schools) within Hanoi and to those institutions that voluntarily participate in the on‑site meal program.
The resolution outlines different levels of lunch support based on geographic location.
The first group includes 23 schools located in mountainous communes and mid-stream islets along the Red River. For these schools, the city will provide VND 30,000 per student per day (approximately US$ 1.25) to cover the cost of the main meal.
The second group comprises all other participating schools. Students in this group will receive VND 20,000 per day (approximately US$ 0.83) for their main meal.
Director of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training Tran The Cuong.
The resolution stipulates that if parents and schools agree to a meal cost higher than the state‑supported rate, the difference must be paid by the parents, provided that the minimum meal cost remains VND 30,000 (US$ 1.25) per student per day. The support extends throughout the 2025–2026 school year, based on actual days of meal service, up to nine months per year.
The Hanoi People's Committee will disburse state budget funds to schools, which will in turn organize the on‑site meal service. The financial settlement for this support will follow the State Budget Law and current regulations, on the basis of the actual number of students served and the actual number of meals provided.
In addition to this meal‑support policy, eligible students may continue to receive other central and municipal benefits, provided that those benefits do not duplicate meal support. If multiple supports apply to the same recipient at the same time, the student will receive only the highest level of support.
The People's Council has tasked the People's Committee with implementing the resolution. The Committee must also lead a comprehensive public information campaign so that families, agencies, and organizations across the city understand the new meal‑support mechanism for primary school students in the 2025–2026 academic year.
Vice Head of the Council's Committee on Culture and Social Affairs Hoang Thi Tu Anh.
The People's Committee will direct ward and commune authorities to review and implement the policy, ensuring that the proper beneficiaries receive support in accordance with regulations. The Committee will also strengthen inspection and supervision to guarantee transparency and compliance in policy execution.
According to a review report by the Council's Committee on Culture and Social Affairs, primary schools have the largest student population among the city's three education levels—preschool, primary, and lower secondary.
Primary schools are also required to operate on a two-session schedule, with 90.4 percent already providing on-site meals.
Taking into account current conditions, available resources, and the phased implementation plan, the Committee concluded that starting the lunch support program at the primary level is both appropriate and feasible.
In light of central and municipal directives on comprehensive educational development, particularly care for primary school students who attend two‑session days and have high meal‑service needs—the Council determined that issuing this resolution on on‑site meal support for the 2025–2026 academic year is essential.
The resolution will promote social welfare, provide meaningful assistance to parents, contribute to students' physical well‑being and academic performance, and demonstrate Hanoi's strong commitment to its future generations.