A Modern Central Kitchen Launched in Holubyne, Zakarpattia: Nutritious Meals for Over 800 Children

A modern central kitchen has opened in the village of Holubyne, part of the Polyana Territorial Community. This state-of-the-art facility will serve not only the local gymnasium but also four other schools in the area. 

The modernization of school kitchens is part of the National School Nutrition Reform, launched in 2020 by Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska. The initiative focuses on upgrading infrastructure, changing the approach to menu planning, adhering to international food safety standards, and creating a safe and welcoming environment for children. 

In Holubyne, the reform was implemented to the fullest extent. 

Total area of the kitchen facility: 1,285 m² 
The kitchen will serve nearly 800 students from Holubyne, Suskovo, Pasika, Ploske, and Solochyn. 
Meals will be delivered by specialized vehicles in thermal boxes, in full compliance with all sanitary requirements. 

“Children’s health is our community’s top priority. Especially now, in challenging times, we must ensure a safe, high-quality environment — with proper nutrition, modern infrastructure, and care. Without state support, implementing such projects would be difficult. But our community is ready to work, rebuild, initiate, and show real results. The central kitchen in Holubyne proves that together we can achieve a lot,” — emphasized Nelia Petrus, Acting Head of the Polyana Village Council. 

The new cafeteria is equipped with three modern combi steamers capable of preparing up to 1,200 meals. 

The facility has clearly defined zones based on food safety protocols: meat, fish, and dairy sections; a hot kitchen area; dishwashing section; thermal box storage; and a packaging area for food delivery. 

“We designed the kitchen in line with the Healthy Nutrition Code. This includes not just new equipment but also safe processes, proper hygiene, and well-organized logistics. Cooking here will be not only efficient but also enjoyable,” — said Ruslan Rebrysh, Deputy Head of the Polyana Village Council. 

The menu was developed considering both state nutrition standards and students’ preferences. Surveys among parents, students, and teachers helped create a seasonal four-week menu that combines modern approaches with traditional Ukrainian dishes. 

“Kids love mashed potatoes, fish with vegetables, meatball soup, and borscht. These are the flavors that remind them of home. We're not just serving food — we're building a culture of healthy eating through positive emotions,” — shared Vira Riashko, Principal of Holubyne Gymnasium. 

The project was funded through a state subvention allocated via the DREAM platform. 

Project details in DREAM: https://bit.ly/3HndrIY 

Total cost: UAH 24.331 million 
State subvention: UAH 21.645 million 
Local community funds: UAH 2.684 million (10%, per co-financing terms) Savings returned to the state budget: over UAH 3.6 million 

The community has already started landscaping the area around the kitchen. Discussions are also underway about expanding logistics to provide quality meals to even more institutions in the future. 

“This project proves that reforms in Ukraine haven’t stopped. They’re happening — even in mountain villages, even during wartime. Thanks to people who believe in change. We’re ready to do more. We have the team, the ideas, and the motivation. And Holubyne is proof that everything is possible,” — concluded Nelia Petrus.