Wales increases free school meals funding from £3.20 to £3.40 per meal
Wales UPFSM continues to go from strength to strength, with 57 million meals being served in primary schools across Wales since 2022. It remains the only UK nation to provide free school meals to all primary learners.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle has confirmed an additional 20p per meal, increasing the unit rate set by Welsh Government from £3.20 to £3.40. This means Wales provides the highest rate to primary schools and council catering teams in the UK to provide nutritious free meals to learners.
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.”