Taipei Launches Free Milk Program for Schoolchildren: Nourishing the Next Generation

A weekly dose of dairy or soy for young learners, boosting health and wellness in Taiwan's capital.

Taipei, April 6 – In a move aimed at improving the nutritional intake of young children, the Taipei City Department of Education announced a new initiative offering free milk or soymilk to schoolchildren across the city.

Starting Monday, students attending elementary schools in Taipei can redeem one free milk or soymilk product each week at designated retailers using their student card. The program extends to preschool pupils, as young as two years old, beginning April 14th, with similar guidelines.

The city government estimates that approximately 184,000 children are eligible to participate in this program. Retailers participating in the program include major convenience store chains like 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Hi-Life, and OK, alongside supermarket chains such as PX Mart and Simple Mart. Parents can claim the milk on behalf of their children, selecting from a range of 13 milk and 15 soymilk products.

Unclaimed free milk for a given week will not carry over to the next. Students in Taipei schools and preschools are issued a student card or a young children's card, which incorporates an EasyCard, commonly utilized for public transit and small purchases.

Eligibility is limited to children enrolled in schools or preschools within Taipei. Students who are residents of Taipei but attend schools outside the city or attend international schools in Taipei are not eligible for the program. Furthermore, the free milk will be available only during the 40 weeks of the school year, excluding winter and summer breaks.