School meals and the 2027 budget

The latest Østfold news from the past 48 hours covers funding for school meals, the 2027 budget and major local projects. The Storting wants all primary school children to receive a free meal before next year, but the funding remains unclear (NRK Østfold). In Fredrikstad, the proposed budget for 2027 could make some services more expensive, and a waste treatment facility project is costed at 800 million kroner (Fredriksstad Blad). In Moss, Rygge Airport, closed to commercial flights for ten years, is losing its last hope of new routes (NRK Østfold).

School meals: the latest from Østfold and municipal funding

The Storting wants all primary school pupils to receive a free school meal before next year, according to NRK Østfold. Liam Starica Ekran, a pupil, already receives a free school meal several times a week. The issue goes beyond this individual case: it raises the question of funding for the municipalities. The Prime Minister places responsibility with the municipalities, while schools in Sarpsborg believe they have a solution (NRK Østfold).

In Østfold county, the schools in Sarpsborg are cited as an example of seeking a local solution (NRK Østfold). The debate comes at a time when municipalities must already balance services and taxation. These Østfold news stories illustrate the limited room for manoeuvre available to local authorities, even though the principle of a free meal for all primary school children has been raised at the national level (NRK Østfold).

Budget 2027 and major construction projects in Fredrikstad

In Fredrikstad, the proposed budget for 2027 could result in higher costs for residents, according to Fredriksstad Blad in an article published on 31 October. The headline published at 00h discusses higher costs for residents in 2027 (Fredriksstad Blad). The topic places local taxation and public services at the centre of the debate.

The same newspaper reports plans to build a waste treatment facility costing 800 million kroner. To make room, a giant building must be demolished (Fredriksstad Blad). The construction project adds to the land development cases in Østfold county, where waste and budget issues dominate local debate.

In Moss, Råde, Våler and Vestby, Moss Avis has published a list of property transfers for the period from 18 to 25 October (Moss Avis). This section follows local real estate activity and complements Østfold’s economic news from late October.

Moss: Rygge, health and community life

Moss Airport, Rygge, was one of Europe’s fastest-growing airport locations, recalls NRK Østfold. Exactly 10 years after the last plane departed, the last hope of new flight connections is abandoned. A man, Odd Gunnar, is presented as the only person remaining at the site (NRK Østfold).

In Moss, Moss Avis reports the distribution of free food and vaccinations. One person says they did not think they could feel a sense of belonging (Moss Avis). The event is part of local community and health initiatives, with no direct connection to the major construction projects mentioned above.

The local cultural and sporting calendar also includes the 25th edition of the peace march, presented by Fredriksstad Blad. One participant describes it as “the most important thing I do” (Fredriksstad Blad). The FFK club is also preparing a special celebration at Værste, hoping to evoke strong emotions (Fredriksstad Blad).

📌 Local news in brief

A driver in his forties is under investigation after a serious traffic accident in Sarpsborg on Thursday evening. His licence was seized, and his vehicle was also to be seized for further examination; two children were among the six people involved, and one person was transported by helicopter to Ullevål hospital (NRK Østfold).

In Sarpsborg, a search for a possible armed person has been concluded. Police found a plastic gun and took the person into custody without incident, stating that other people in the area were not in danger (NRK Østfold).

In Moss, an explosive device was discovered at the municipal landfill. The site was closed, the Defence was due to take charge of the device, and the public was urged to stay clear. The facility was later reopened after the Defence had been there (NRK Østfold).

In Sarpsborg, the municipality’s new civil safety adviser, Fouzia O. Ali, was targeted with harassment and racism following the announcement of her recruitment. Nineteen comments were removed from the discussion thread, according to NRK Østfold.

Sources: NRK Østfold, Fredriksstad Blad, Moss Avis — Period: 30 October 2026 and 31 October 2026