As Wales prepares to roll out universal free school meals to primary school children next term, the offer varies in different areas as does the cost of meals for those who still have to pay. Primary school meal prices vary by as much as 50p in different parts of Wales from £2.10 to £2.60. Secondary prices range by 70p from to £2.35 to £3.05.
And councils warn the soaring cost of food will pile pressure on school meal budgets. Torfaen confirmed it is looking at alternative products and suppliers while Flintshire Council said: "We have had to reduce some options on the menus and may have to reduce them further if the cost of provisions continue to rise."
The Welsh Government has allocated grants of £40m in 2022/23, £70m in 2023/24 and £90m in 2024/25 to pay for universal free school meals for primary pupils - but some councils are worried they will have to foot the bill after that.
