Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has welcomed the news that schools across Scotland are now serving up free school meals to every Primary 1-3 pupil, following the Scottish Government’s expanded free schools meals policy coming into effect today.
The Scottish Government is providing revenue funding of £70.5 million over two years to deliver the commitment, supported with total additional capital funding for all 32 local councils in Scotland of £24.8 million.
Mr McMillan said;
“The move to entitle all Primary 1 to primary 3 school pupils to free school meals is very much welcomed and is a policy which will benefit pupils and their families alike.
“We all know that the early years of a child’s life are the most crucial and can shape their habits for a lifetime – so ensuring our children have access to a healthy lunch could see real improvements in Scotland’s public health in the future.
“Ensuring the youngest pupils in our schools have access to healthy and nutritious lunches can also play an important role in improving attainment and helping pupils to achieve their best in class.
“That 135,000 children will now have access to a healthy, free school meal is another example of the Scottish Government taking real action to make our country a better place - and I am very proud that it is the SNP who are taking this important measure forward.”
Scottish Government release - http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Back-to-school-for-First-Minister-1426.aspx
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