Over 9000 children in South Lanarkshire are currently receiving free school meals.
The figure was revealed as new stats showed the level of pupil equity funding being allocated to schools in the region to try and bridge the poverty attainment gap.
A total of £8,949,160 has been earmarked for South Lanarkshire for 2022/2023, with headteachers in Rutherglen and Cambuslang being provided with £2.1m.