Taipei to provide free lunch in elementary and junior high schools

Taipei, Jan. 6 (CNA) Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) on Tuesday announced major policies to be implemented in 2026, including providing free lunches in all the city's elementary and junior high schools.

In addition, the city will oversee food traceability and quality control to ensure budget constraints do not limit ingredient choices, and will promote nutrition and agri-food education, city government officials quoted Chiang as saying.

It is estimated the policy will reduce the expenses of parents by NT$10,000 (US$318) per year.

Chiang also announced education reform measures, including cutting one class period for homeroom teachers in elementary, junior high and senior high schools and raising their allowances, as well as increasing the number of dedicated administrative staff and boosting bonuses for teachers who hold concurrent administrative posts.

Free psychological counseling services for teachers will also be expanded, with the number of sessions increased from 6-10 to 8-12 per school year, and service locations extended from five administrative districts to 12.

Lastly, the city is expanding the use of its senior citizen card, Chiang said.

The card, issued to residents aged 65 and above and Indigenous citizens aged 55 and above, currently provides 480 points per month, which can be redeemed for services such as public transportation, with each point equivalent to NT$1.

Starting Jan. 2, cardholders are able to use points to cover registration fees at City Hospitals, while the number of points that can be redeemed for taxi rides will increase from 65 to 85 beginning in February.

Beginning in July, the monthly subsidy will be raised from 480 points to 600 points, he added.