Following the Scottish budget-related announcement of the expansion of free school meals to S1 to S3 pupils in receipt of Scottish Child Payment in 8 local authorities, STUC Women’s Committee Chair, Pearl Abernethy, said, “We welcome this announcement as another step towards eradicating child poverty.

“However, this limited expansion does not deliver on Scottish Government promises, they need to secure funding that make free school meals universal, ensuring no child falls through the cracks.”

“It is not just about food—it’s about fairness, dignity, and giving every child the best start in life.” Providing free school meals ensures that every young person has access to nutritious food, which is essential for their learning, health, and overall wellbeing.”

The EIS is an active supporter of the universal free school meals campaign, working closely with the STUC and other partners to push government and local authorities to do more on the deliver of free school meals.

EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley added, “Poverty remains a damaging blight on our society, and one which has a hugely damaging impact on the life chances of far too many young people.”

“Universal free school meals must be a key priority to help mitigate the impact of poverty on young people in our schools, and to provide all pupils with healthy and nutritious food during the school day.”

“The benefits to young people, and to society as a whole, of universal free school meals simply cannot be overstated.”