FOI Request - Universal Free School Meals

Request 101003472093

1.  What is the local authorities policy on the makeup of a free school meal? i.e. What food items are included in a free school meal offered by the local authority

2.  All policy documents related to the above

3.  What is the current policy of the local authority if a child in receipt of free school meals orders items that are not included in the free school meal offered by the local authority

4.  How are parents and children made aware of which items are included in a standard free school meal and which items for which there is a charge

5.  What is the amount of school meal debt accumulated by Primary 1, Primary 2, Primary 3, Primary 4 and Primary 5 pupils in between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023?

Response 13-02-2024 

1. Primary schools - there is no difference between a paying and a free school meal pupil in what they can have as part of their school lunch.  Secondary schools - they are only restricted by the amount they can spend as there is a free school meal allowance added to the pupils card/account that they can spend how they like at lunchtime.  The amount added would allow the pupil to purchase a two course lunch or equivalent snack options or they could buy anything else up to that value.

2. As above

3. & 4. Not applicable

5. None, as all pupils are entitled to universal free school meals for these year groups.