Extra £8m announced for primary school free meals in Wales
The funding boost will come with a rise in the allocated cost per meal, increasing from £3.20 to £3.40
An additional £8m is set to support Universal Primary Free School Meals across Wales over the next two years.
The funding boost will come with a rise in the allocated cost per meal, increasing from £3.20 to £3.40, as confirmed by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle.
Since its introduction in 2022, Wales’ initiative for Universal Primary Free School Meals has provided 57 million meals to primary school learners.
The new £3.40 rate is the highest in the UK and is aimed at supporting council catering teams in delivering nutritious meals to children.
Wales remains the only UK nation to offer all primary learners free school meals:
According to the Welsh Government, the scheme is pivotal to their efforts in reducing child poverty and easing financial pressure on families.
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said:
“Universal Primary Free School Meals, alongside our targeted free meal offer in secondary schools, means that two thirds of learners in Wales can access a free school meal at lunchtime every day.
“We understand that costs are rising, and we want to ensure local authorities are supported"
“Ending child poverty remains an absolute priority for the Welsh Government and our commitment to Universal Primary Free School Meals show just how serious we are about giving every child the best possible start in life.”
Families are also encouraged to access other forms of support, including the School Essentials Grant and Pupil Development Grant, which provide assistance with costs such as school uniforms and learning materials.