Free school meals available to eligible children over May half term

Free school meals will be available to eligible school pupils during May half term

Free school meals will be available to children from lower income families this May half term, the Welsh Government has announced.

Meanwhile, around 4,000 eligible sixth form and college students will also be eligible to claim free school meals during the May break.

In total, around 115,000 pupils and students will be eligible.

Local authorities will decide how to administer the free meal provision, either by creating lunches or by providing vouchers or direct payments to families.

The funding for the scheme comes from the Welsh Government and forms part of its co-operation agreement with Plaid Cymru, which aims to provide free school meals to all pupils in Wales by 2024.

Wales’ education minister, Jeremy Miles, said: “It’s vital that children and young people are able to enjoy their school holidays and that we help take pressure off families who are struggling with the cost-of-living.”

Mr Miles urged families to find out whether or not they can apply for this support through their local council.

Plaid Cymru’s designated member, Sian Gwenllian, said: “Eligible school pupils having access to free school meals during the May half-term will provide real help to many as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite.

What is a designated member?

Designated members are those Members of the Plaid Cymru Senedd Group appointed by the Leader of Plaid Cymru and whose names are provided to the First Minister.

Welsh Ministers and Plaid Cymru’s designated members will, at the political level, jointly agree matters within scope of the Agreement, while recognising that formal and legal responsibility for those decisions still rests with Welsh Ministers.

Source: Welsh Government

“I am proud that by working together we have made sure that learners have support when the school doors close for the May holidays.”

The announcement was welcomed by Caerphilly’s Labour MS Hefin David, who said: “Times are very tough for families financially and it is important to remember that it isn’t just learners of younger ages who are affected by this.

“These free meals over the holidays will bring some relief to families with children of all ages, locally and across Wales. I welcome this extension to older learners too.”

Sign-up to our daily newsletter