School meal prices frozen in Swansea for third year

The price of school meals has been frozen in Swansea for another year in a move the council says will help parents and carers with the cost of living crisis.

This means families choosing to use the service will continue to pay £2.40 a day – the third year in a row that it has been held, despite what the council describe as significant cost pressures.

Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Improvement, Learning and Skills, Robert Smith said: “We are keenly aware of the pressures facing families at the moment and are looking at options across the council to help.

“The council made a series of policy commitments in June to support our communities and the freeze in school meal prices was one of these which I’m pleased we are delivering.”

Cllr Smith added: “Parents or carers in receipt of a number of benefit payments are eligible for free school meals and I would encourage those that think they might qualify to visit the website www.swansea.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals to check. Those without access to the internet can phone the council on 01792 635353.

“Most schools in Swansea operate a safe and secure cashless payment system making the process as seamless as possible.

“It’s really important for their education that children get a nutritious, satisfying lunch to help them re-charge their batteries and to be at their best for afternoon lessons.”

The Welsh Government recently announced that free school meals would be extended to all primary school pupils over the next three years.

From September, some of the youngest children in primary schools will begin receiving free school meals as the policy is introduced in a phased way.