05.01.15
Scotland gives free school meals to all Primary 1-3 children
More than 135,000 children will be entitled to free school meals in Scotland starting today, at a cost of £95m to the Scottish government.
All pupils in Primary 1 to Primary 3 will receive free school lunches, which the SNP say is expected to save the families of every eligible child at least £330 per year.
The move is being paid for with £70.5m in revenue funding and £24.8m in additional capital funding by the Scottish government.
First minister Nicola Sturgeon launched the policy at her old primary school in Ayrshire. She said making free school meals available on a universal basis was the "right thing to do".
The policy has been supported by campaigning organisations across civic Scotland including Child Poverty Action Group Scotland, One Parent Families Scotland, trade unions and Children in Scotland.
George Adams, who sits on the Holyrood Education and Culture Committee, said: “Ensuring the youngest pupils in our schools have access to healthy and nutritious lunches can also play an important role in improving attainment and helping pupils to achieve their best in class.
“As well as helping our children to be healthier and achieve more in school, this policy will also provide a real boost to family budgets in tough financial times – with families benefiting to the tune of £330 per year for every eligible child.
“That 135,000 children will now have access to a healthy, free school meal is another example of the Scottish Government taking real action to make our country a better place - and I am very proud that it is the SNP who are taking this important measure forward.”
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