Free school meal provision during Easter break in Wales

The Welsh Government has announced that free school meal holiday provision will continue to be available to children from lower income families for the Easter and Whitsun school holidays.

During the Easter holidays individual local authorities will decide how to administer the free meal provision, either by creating lunches or by providing vouchers or direct payments to eligible families.

The funding is being provided to offer eligible pupils a free school meal up until the end of May half term holiday, including all bank holidays during this period.

Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, said: "No child should have to worry about going hungry over the school holidays. I am pleased that we have been able to extend free holiday provision to the May half term holiday. We know that food has a huge impact on concentration and children’s overall well-being. I want children and young people to be able to enjoy their school holidays and take pressure off families who are already struggling with the cost of living.

"I would encourage families to find out whether they qualify by speaking to their local authority."

Plaid Cymru’s Designated Member, Sian Gwenllian, said: "When the school doors close for the holidays, our support for those who most need it should not come to an end. We are working together to make sure no child goes hungry over the Easter and May school holidays and helping hard-pressed families during the cost of living crisis."