Free School Meals
Thanks to Plaid Cymru’s influence, all primary school pupils in Wales are now set to receive a free school meal, with the expansion taking place from September this year. We see this as a first step towards free school meals for all ages.
We know there are more children and families who need help. That is why Plaid Cymru Local Authorities will commit to the aim of extending universal Free School Meals to include secondary school pupils during next council term, beginning the necessary planning and preparatory work immediately, as part of Plaid Cymru’s vision of introducing this policy across Wales.
Provision will use locally-sourced produce where possible, supporting local businesses and supply chains and reducing food miles.
Plaid Cymru has consistently called on the Welsh Government to take action on the scandalous levels of child poverty in Wales – the highest level of all the UK nations. Over half of children in Wales living below the poverty line – 70,000 children - are not entitled to free school meals.*
We therefore see the universal provision of free school meals as one of the most important steps we can take to address child poverty, making sure that children have a free, nutritious meal as part of the school day.