Universal Primary Free School Meals across Wales are to benefit
from an estimated additional £8m investment over the coming two
years, with the price spent per meal to rise from £3.20 to £3:40.
Wales Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) continue to go
from strength to strength, with 57 million meals being served in
primary schools across Wales since 2022.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, 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.
Wales still also remains the only UK nation to provide Universal
Primary Free School Meal to all primary learners.
Universal Primary Free School Meals is one of the ways the Welsh
Government is supporting families with the cost of school and
reducing child poverty. Families are being encouraged to
find out if they qualify for any further help with school costs
via ‘Get help with school
costs'. The School Essentials Grant can help with
school uniform costs and classroom essentials. Schools also
benefit for additional funding for all those eligible through the
Pupil Development Grant.
Cabinet Secretary for Education, , 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.”
