A leading academic, Prof Kevin Morgan from Cardiff University’s school of geography, has called for free school meals in Wales to be revamped to be “more cost-effective, healthier, and more climate-friendly”. Despite all primary school children being eligible for free school meals in Wales, Professor Morgan believes there is still room for improvement in the quality of the food being provided. Families of older children can also apply for free school meals based on household income.
In an interview with Radio Wales’ Sunday Supplement, Prof Morgan expressed the need to elevate the quality of the meals being served in schools. He emphasized that while Wales has been applauded internationally for implementing free school meals for all primary schools, there is a necessity to enhance the nutritional value of the food being offered. Additionally, he raised concerns about the challenge of sourcing entirely local food due to the underdeveloped horticulture sector in Wales.
Since the inception of the Future Generations Act in 2015, which mandated public bodies to consider the needs of future generations, there has been progress in ensuring the provision of free school meals to all primary school-aged children in Wales. However, Prof Morgan highlighted the gap between aspirations and actual delivery in Wales, especially in the face of austerity budgets that have compromised the capacity of local authorities. He urged public bodies to rise to the occasion and meet the challenge posed by the legislation.
The Welsh government reiterated its commitment to providing the best school food offer in the UK to promote the health of children. With plans to update and enhance healthy eating regulations in the coming year, the government aims to collaborate closely with local authorities to improve the food served in schools. The goal is to ensure that every child is offered a nutritious meal as part of the free school meals program in Wales
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