Universal Free School Meals available to all primary pupils in Carmarthenshire

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Carmarthenshire County Council is reminding families that all primary school children across the county are eligible for universal free school meals.

If your child would like to start having school lunches, please contact your school directly and let them know of any dietary requirements.

As part of its continued efforts to support families through the cost-of-living crisis and promote healthy lifestyles, the Council is encouraging parents and carers to take full advantage of this offer. Every pupil can receive a hot, nutritious school lunch every day—completely free of charge, due to Welsh Government funding.

Meals are prepared fresh on-site in schools each day by the Council’s School Catering Teams, using locally sourced Welsh produce, including quality meat, dairy and vegetables. The menus meet Welsh Government nutritional guidelines and are designed to support pupils’ health and concentration while offering variety and choice.

Choosing universal free school meals offers many benefits, including saving time by eliminating the need to prepare packed lunches and reducing household food costs. The meals provide balanced, healthy options with fresh vegetables, salads, and fruit to help children reach their recommended ‘5 a day’ portions. Mealtimes also create a valuable social environment where children develop table manners and are gently introduced to new foods.

Deputy Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Linda Evans said:

No child should have to learn on an empty stomach, and no family should have to worry about how they’ll provide the next school lunch. This initiative is about helping families and giving every child the best environment to succeed. I wholeheartedly encourage parents to make the most of this – the meals are healthy, free, and contribute so much to children’s wellbeing and learning.

Although all primary children are eligible for universal free school meals under the Welsh Government scheme, some families are also entitled to Free School Meals through benefit related criteria. I would like to encourage those who are eligible for Free School Meals through their benefit criteria to register here , as this not only supports their child’s wellbeing but also enables schools to access vital Pupil Development Grant funding that benefits the whole school community.”

Further information about the scheme, including menus and FAQs, is available here 

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