School meals should be free for all pupils say trade union in Scotland

As reported by The Herald, the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has called for the provision of free school meals to be expanded to all primary and secondary school pupils

The report comes as students return to school after the Easter break.

A new campaign has been organised by the STUC Women’s Committee, as part of the congress’ council election manifesto.

STUC leaders have claimed the change would help “break the stigma” around free school meals and mitigate the effects of poverty.

The Scottish government scrapped its original target for universal free schools meal provision in primary schools by August 2022.

STUC Women’s Committee Chair, Fiona Steele, said: “There’s a material cost-of-living crisis going on throughout the country, impacting thousands and embedding poverty within our communities.

“Accelerating the rollout of universal school meals to all primary school pupils is the bare minimum we need from the Scottish Government. Our ‘Food for Thought’ campaign wants this extended to all pupils – primary and secondary – bringing an end to pupil hunger and breaking the stigma around school meals.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government commented: “We will go further, expanding free school meals to primary six and seven pupils and piloting universal provision in secondary schools. Targeted support will continue for eligible families during school holidays throughout the school year.”