LASTEST figures reveal that more than 25% of primary-aged children in Cardiff are missing out on free school meals, despite the Universal Free School Meals scheme being available to all primary-aged pupils in the city.
With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the added pressures of the festive season, Cardiff Council is urging families to take advantage of the Universal Free School Meals scheme.
Hot, nutritious school meals are much more than just food on a plate, they are a foundation for children’s health, learning, and wellbeing. Access to balanced meals every day, help children concentrate, learn and thrive. School meals also foster social skills and healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.
Since the beginning of its roll out in 2022, the initiative has already enabled thousands of children to access school lunches, providing many families with vital support by offering free meals up to the value of £57 per month
Families do not have to sign up to Universal Free School Meals, they can easily pre-order meals for any days they wish, by logging onto their ParentPay account. More information is available on the ParentPay website.
Cardiff’s school meal menu features a variety of Welsh products, including cheese, sausages, potatoes and yoghurts, supporting the Welsh economy and promoting sustainability. Each meal includes two portions of vegetables, exceeding the minimum standards set by Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements Wales 2013). All fish products are certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), and the menu offers plant-based options.
The menu is fully compliant with Healthy Eating in Schools standards and has received Gold Certification of Compliance from the Welsh Local Government Association.
Cllr Sarah Merry, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, said: “We know that providing healthy and nutritious school meals has a positive impact on learners and our school catering teams have developed a varied and inclusive menu for children to enjoy, meeting the requirements set by Welsh Government.
“In addition, with the use of Welsh, British and certified products, families can be reassured that opting for school meals provides a range of positive benefits.
“We are committed to making sure that the financial squeeze does not get in the way of education, ensuring no child goes hungry and that every pupil has the energy and nutrition needed to succeed.
“I encourage all families to take advantage of this important provision so that they receive the support that they are entitled, ensuring their children benefit from the positive impact of hot school meals.”
In addition to Universal Free School Meals for primary-aged children, families who receive benefits and have children of all ages must continue to register for free school meals. Details can be found at School Catering Services Eligible learners in Cardiff can also access the Welsh Government School Essentials Grant (SEG), which helps with the cost of uniform, sports equipment, stationery, and devices. School Essentials Grant (previously Pupil Development Grant)
Families whose circumstances have changed are encouraged to check their eligibility for Free School Meals and the School Essentials Grant. Visit School Catering Services, call the Adviceline on 029 2087 1071, or visit any local Hub for support.
Many schools in Cardiff also run uniform recycling schemes and donation initiatives, such as the charity A Better Fit.
Cardiff Council offers a range of support for those struggling with cost-of-living pressures, including help with food, winter fuel bills, rent arrears, and more.
Contact the Money Advice Team on 029 2087 1071, email [email protected]
visit any Hub, or go to the Council’s Cost of living support webpage.
