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Caterers are facing challenges in providing school meals as costs rise, leading to reductions in meat content, smaller portions, and cheaper ingredients, according to Michael Hales, the new chair of a school food organization. Hales highlighted the struggle schools face in balancing government funding for free school meals with the increasing costs of providing meals to all students. While the government has announced an expansion of free school meals, Hales emphasized the need for additional funding to support this initiative.
The Department for Education (DfE) stated that the fully funded expansion of free school meals is a significant step in addressing child poverty. However, Hales expressed dissatisfaction with the meager 3p increase in meal rates announced by the government, describing it as insufficient and nearly insulting. The financial constraints have compelled caterers, who serve about three million school meals daily, to make tough decisions regarding portion sizes and ingredient quality to align with government’s school food standards.
In Stoke-on-Trent, head teacher Clare Morton revealed that the school spends £45,000 annually to supplement government funding for free school meals. While this sum could be directed towards hiring an additional staff member, Morton stressed the importance of ensuring all children receive nourishing meals, especially since many students rely on school lunches as their primary source of a hot meal each day. The gap between school funding and actual meal costs poses a significant challenge for schools like St Mary’s Primary School.
The provision of free school meals varies across the UK, with differences in eligibility criteria and funding rates. In London, primary schools receive a higher rate compared to most of England, while in Wales, primary schools receive an even larger amount. Scotland extends free school meal eligibility to children in the first five years of primary school and those from families receiving specific benefits. Parents in Northern Ireland can apply for free school meals if they meet certain criteria. The disparities in funding rates highlight the importance of maintaining adequate support for schools to ensure children receive nutritious and well-balanced meals throughout the day
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