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As part of the Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru, Universal Primary Free School Meals now allow an extra 45,000 primary schoolchildren to have the option of a free school meal.

All primary schoolchildren and more than 6,000 nursery-age pupils attending a maintained school will be eligible for free school meals by 2024. Its estimated nearly 66,000 extra pupils will be fed in the first year of roll-out.

Minister for Education and Welsh language, Jeremy Miles, said: “I’m pleased that so many primary schoolchildren have benefited from the scheme already. Families across Wales are feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis, and Universal Primary Free School Meals are helping to ensure children have a nutritious meal.”

Rollout started at the beginning of the autumn term, with reception children receiving the first free meals. Year one and two pupils are now also starting to benefit from the scheme. The Welsh Government has committed £260m to implement the programme.  

Designated Member Siân Gwenllian, added: “Delivering 1.5 million additional free school meals in just over three months is a huge achievement and one that is needed now more than ever. The roll-out of universal free school meals in all primary schools in Wales shows how co-operative working through the agreement between Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Government is making a real difference to people’s lives.

“We are making sure no child goes hungry, while also providing help for families during this cost-of-living crisis. The number of meals delivered will also increase as we work together to make sure all children attending primary schools will be eligible for free school meals by 2024. I want to thank our local authorities and schools helping us achieve this.”