Almost 30 million free schools meals served up across Wales

Almost 30 million free school meals have been served to primary school children across Wales since 2021.

The Welsh Government, as part of the then Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru, has been rolling out the free schools meals programme to maintained primary schools in a move to tackle child poverty.

Across Wales 176,000 pupils are eligible for the scheme – with nearly 30 million meals served out in the last three years.

The roll-out of the programme has now been completed across Wales, meaning every child up to and including Year 6 is now able to receive a free school meal every school day.

The Welsh Government set out the commitment in 2021 as part of its efforts to tackle child poverty.

Work is underway to review Regulations which set out the types of food and drink that may be provided during the school day , including defining the nutrient content of school lunches.

First Minster, Eluned Morgan said: “A healthy school meal is vital in ensuring that no child feels hungry during the school day, helping their concentration and wellbeing and enabling them to achieve their full potential. Free school meals are also providing welcome support to families and helping tackle child poverty.

This is a momentous occasion for children here in Wales. I’m incredibly proud that Wales has become the first UK nation to offer free school meals to all primary pupils.”

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle said: “We are ensuring that no primary school child will go hungry at school, and I am thankful for our local authorities and schools for helping to make this a reality.

“I have seen the difference that this offer has already made for children and families firsthand.

“This is an important step we have taken to tackle child poverty, and I will continue to work to make certain that we have the best school food offer in the UK.”

However the rollout has faced criticism from the Welsh Conservatives, which have argued that council’s across Wales have struggled to provide adequate meals due to budget cuts.

Tom Giffard MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Education Minister, said: “It is right that children who need a free school meal receive one, but there have been flaws in Labour’s delivery of the scheme.

“The Welsh Conservatives have previously highlighted that this policy was uncosted, so it is unsurprising that there has been news of low quality and small portion sizes due to councils struggling with Labour’s budget cuts.

“This policy has been poorly implemented by the Welsh Labour Government from the outset and sadly, it is our young people who are having to pay the price.”