09 September 2024
Reaction as Scotland abandons free school meals pledge
Our Food Ambassadors have reacted to confirmation the Scottish government has scrapped plans to extend free school meals to all primary school children.
The SNP previously pledged to expand the scheme to cover pupils in P6 and P7, but Scotland's First Minister John Swinney now says that is not possible due to budget constraints.
It means only children in primary six and seven who are eligible for the Scottish Child Payment will have access to the vital nutritional safety net.
Reacting to the news, Food Ambassador Jacob, 20, from Glasgow, said: "I'm extremely disappointed in the Scottish government’s decision to not fulfil their promise on expanding Free School Meals to all primary school pupils.
"This is a step back on children missing out on nutritious meals that they would need to help them thrive in the school environment.
"I really hope the Scottish government reconsider this decision and helps lead by the example to show that no child is left behind and support is there for children to reach their potential."
Food Ambassador Ryan Mcshane, from Coatbridge, was also disappointed with the decision.
The 22-year-old said: "It’s been a difficult week for the campaign here in Scotland due to the wider impacts of budgetary constraints of the public finances meaning that the expansion of Free School Meals to all children in primary schools in Scotland has been halted.
"The programme for government announced was unfortunately not what we were expecting or hoping to hear.
"The Scottish Government had been resolute in its commitment over a number of years in expanding universal free school meals.
"Even with budgets being squeezed across government and spending being limited, it is a decision that is hard to comprehend.
"It is imperative that Our Right to Food is enshrined into Scot’s law as a matter of urgency but previous promising signs on this have also been thrown into doubt.
"Of course, I do still welcome the retention of the current policy of universal free school meals for those in primary 1-5 and those in primary 6 and 7 who are in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment.
"Myself and other children and young people will continue to campaign and press the Scottish Government and UK Government to make sure we get this policy right for all children and young people in our school environments."
The economic benefits of Free School Meals are outlined in our Superpowers of Free School Meals Evidence Pack.
Jacob is a Scottish activist who campaigns for change in his own nation as well as his country. From campaigning at the Scottish Parliament to making changes in his own city Jacob is determined to change politicians' minds for the better and for the future generations.
Ryan is a politically minded campaigner, acting as a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament and advocating for children in care. He is very strong speaking on the policy changes needed to protect children’s right to healthy and affordable food, and wants to make sure the good practice taking place in Scotland in relation to the monitoring of school food is adopted throughout the UK.
