Fund cleared historic debt in over 70,000 cases across
Scotland.
More than 70,000 instances of support were provided to families
to clear historic school meal debt as a result of nearly £2.9
million investment, a new report shows.
The School Meal Debt Fund, launched in May 2024, was distributed
to the 30 councils that applied for assistance to clear debt
accrued by families up to 31 March 2024.
The fund was established in response to cost-of-living pressures
and the stigma that school meal debt can place on children.
The School Meal Debt Fund Report, published today, also sets out
councils' strategies for addressing meal debt, such as flexible
payment options, simplified free school meal applications and
extended free meal provision.
Education Secretary said:
"No child should feel the burden of school meal debt, and no
family should face unnecessary stress over the cost of their
child's lunch.
"This report highlights the compassionate and innovative
approaches being taken by councils to support families - from
streamlining free school meal applications to offering flexible
payment options and working directly with families facing
hardship.
"School meal debt is still an issue. While councils are
proactively identifying and supporting those who need help the
most, they must ensure that all families never reach the point of
debt in the first place. We will continue to work with councils
to ensure that more can be done to address this.
"Over 230,000 pupils are currently benefitting from free school
meals, a crucial element in our commitment to eradicate child
poverty. This saves families who take up the offer every school
day around £450 per child, per year. Our 2026-27 Budget expands
free school meal provision to reach an additional 5,500 pupils,
continuing our mission to give every child the best possible
start in life."
Background
School Meal Debt Fund: report -
gov.scot
