RECORD NUMBER OF CHILDREN RECEIVE FREE SCHOOL MEALS IN 2023

The SNP’s expansion of free school meals has helped to feed 231,957 children during the Tory cost of living crisis this year, as figures reveal a record number of children received free school meals in 2023.

This year saw the SNP Scottish Government expand free school meal entitlement to all children in Primary 1 to Primary 5, and the 2024/25 Budget confirmed the extension of Free School Meals for Primary 6 and Primary 7 children in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment, as part of the wider expansion plans.

The figures also show increased uptake of free school meals across primary, secondary and special schools from 49.9% in 2022 to 53.4% in 2023.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I am proud that Scotland has the most comprehensive offer of free school meals of any nation in the UK, ensuring that more children in Renfrewshire have access to healthy, nutritious meals.

“We know the impact this Tory cost of living crisis has had on children, who are the most vulnerable to the consequences of Tory austerity and reckless welfare cuts. The expansion of free school meals under the SNP now means that more parents now have one less thing to worry about when trying to make ends meet.

“Where it can, the SNP Scottish Government is doing all it can to mitigate the worst of Westminster’s backwards policies and cost crisis, but without the full powers of independence, there is only so far it can go. We need independence, so that the Scottish Government can have the full powers at its disposal to tackle the root causes of poverty, and ensure no child goes hungry again.”