Free school meals for thousands of Fife pupils in new pilot

Annabelle Ewing MSP has welcomed the pilot scheme set to give S1-S3 pupils free school meals across Fife
Annabelle Ewing MSP has welcomed the pilot scheme set to give S1-S3 pupils free school meals across Fife
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A pilot scheme is bringing free school meals to thousands of secondary pupils.

The scheme, backed by £3 million of Scottish Government funding, will benefit more than 6,000 S1-S3 pupils across eight local authority areas, including 2,654 in Fife.

Annabelle Ewing, MSP for Cowdenbeath, said: "I am delighted that, with Fife being one of the local authorities including in the pilot, school pupils in my constituency will be amongst 2,654 young Fifers, and over 6,000 high school pupils across eight local authority areas, who will be eligible for free school meals from the beginning of the next school year.

"This trial phase of the free school meals programme will see S1 to S3 pupils in my constituency, who are in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment, receive a nutritious and healthy meal.

"This takes the number of pupils being offered free school meals in Scotland over 360,000 and further supports the Scottish Government’s national mission to eradicate child poverty."

All 18 secondary schools in Fife are included in the pilot.

Ms Ewing said that the scheme could save families around £450 per eligible child each year.

She described the programme as "practical support that makes a real difference" at a time of rising living costs and highlighted its focus on fairness and opportunity.

She also contrasted the Scottish Government's approach with UK Government policy.

Ms Ewing concluded by saying: "Free school meals are not just about food, they’re about dignity, equality and opportunity."

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