The Governing Council of the Community of Madrid greenlit this initiative last Wednesday, highlighting that the number of beneficiaries for the current academic year has reached a record 146,000 students, representing an increase of almost 20,000 compared to the previous year. These grants are intended for students in Early Childhood, Primary, and Secondary Education in both public and subsidized private schools, with particular focus on the most vulnerable groups.

Of the total investment, 68 million euros come directly from the regional budget. The remaining 7.4 million euros are contributed by the Madrid City Council through a specific agreement, aiming to strengthen grants for families in the capital identified by social services as particularly vulnerable.

Families can apply for these grants if their annual per capita income does not exceed 8,400 euros. However, certain profiles can access the aid without an income limit, such as recipients of the Minimum Insertion Income or the Minimum Vital Income (from the RMI), who will receive the full grant at no cost for school canteen services in public centers for the second consecutive year.

Other groups entitled to these grants include victims of gender-based violence or terrorism, minors in foster care or residential care, beneficiaries of international protection, individuals affected by the war in Ukraine, and students officially enrolled in public schools with school transport. Members of the Armed Forces stationed in the region with children in public schools, as well as agents of the State Security Forces stationed in Madrid, are also included.

Large families with a per capita income between 8,400 and 10,000 euros will receive aid equivalent to 30% of the canteen service cost. The Ministry of Education will soon publish the details of the call for applications on its official website, where interested families must submit the required documentation.