The Welsh Government has announced that it has completed the rollout of free school meals in primary schools across the country.
With children returning to school for the new term, all pupils across maintained primary schools will be able to get a free school meal every weekday. This follows the Welsh Government’s 2021 commitment, which comes as part of its efforts to tackle child poverty.
First Minister 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.”
Since the programme was launched, almost 30 million meals have been served to children around the country, with this latest rollout offering free school meals to an additional 176,000 pupils.
As well as ensuring that no child goes hungry, free school meals also support the reduction of health inequalities and the promotion of healthy eating, whilst also boosting children’s social skills as they engage during mealtimes. With local authorities being responsible for the running of the schools, they have also been pushed by the government to use as much locally sourced food as possible.
Lynne Neagle, Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Education, also commented:
“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.”
Currently, work is ongoing to review the regulations that outline the types of food and drink that can be given to the children during the school day, with this including defining the nutrient content of school lunches.
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