Hot meal scheme rolled out across all Government primary schools

Wednesday 18 December 2024

All students at Government primary schools now have access to a hot meal each day following the success of a pilot programme launched in 2019.

The scheme allows each student to receive a nutritionally balanced main meal and a dessert for £2.50, with many students – such as those with families on income support – eligible for free meals.

The programme began in September 2019, when a pilot ran across five schools in conjunction with local charity Caring Cooks.

The scheme now also involves UK-based Apetito.

Education Minister Rob Ward said: “The work that has gone into rolling out this programme over the last five years is remarkable.

“We should be proud of the fact that all our children can now have a hot, nutritious meal each day they are in school.

“This offering was a priority for good reason; it has huge benefits for our children, young people and their families.

“It works towards reducing inequalities in our society, improves healthy eating and helps to reduce the cost-of-living pressures for islanders.”

The pilot phase of the programme is planned to run until April 2025, at which point the initiative will be evaluated before a new tender process will be undertaken.

This evaluation will consider all aspects of the meal service, including nutrition, quality, and feedback from parents, children, and schools.