Taichung Expands Free School Lunch Policy to Private Schools, Benefiting 25,000 More Students

Central News Agency reporter Chao Li-ying, Taichung, May 25. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen announced today that starting in the 115th academic year, Taichung's free school lunch policy will be expanded to include private elementary and middle schools, benefiting approximately 25,000 additional students. This means a total of about 240,000 students, including disadvantaged students in public and private elementary, middle, and high schools, will benefit. Mayor Lu told reporters at the Taichung City Council that with the policy expansion, the budget will increase from the original NT$3.6 billion per year to about NT$4 billion. She stated that government policies should be reviewed dynamically, and in recent years, Taichung's fiscal situation has improved, with per capita debt falling below NT$30,000, the lowest in over a decade. Despite being in a peak period of construction, which is financially challenging, she emphasized that the city is willing to find the resources to support children. Although the inclusion of private schools was originally planned for the second semester of the 115th academic year, she decided to move it up to match the public schools, noting that the city government will work hard to maintain fiscal discipline while prioritizing education. Regarding US President-elect Donald Trump's indication that he would speak with President Lai Ching-te, Premier Cho Jung-tai stated on the 23rd that communication between Taiwan and the US is very smooth, and if a call occurs, the Presidential Office will handle it. Mayor Lu suggested that the relationship with the US is vital, and Taiwan should take the initiative to contact the US side rather than waiting passively, to better understand the current situation facing the nation.