5.5 million free school meals have been enjoyed by primary school children across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire since the programme began in 2022 thanks to Welsh Labour Government investment.

Over 50 million meals have been served in primary schools across Wales, as the first year full roll-out of Universal Primary Free School Meals reached completion this summer.

The full roll-out of the programme means every child in every primary school can now receive a free school meal each day in term time across Wales.

Free school meals help reduce health inequalities, promote healthy eating and have the potential to boost social skills at mealtimes. Local authorities have also been supported and encouraged to source food locally, where possible.

This is another example of how political choices by the Welsh Labour Government are delivering for the people of Wales, with over half a million more children receiving free school meals since last summer.

The ground-breaking programme is now also being expanded across England, showcasing the shared values of your two Labour governments.

Eluned Morgan and Joyce Watson, Members of the Senedd for Mid and West Wales, said: “Free school meals are about more than just the food on the plate and it is fantastic that 5.5m of those meals have been served in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. Investing in the wellbeing of our primary school children and improving their concentration is vital in enabling them to achieve their full potential.

“Wales is still the only UK nation to provide a free healthy meal for all primary learners and I am proud that we are ensuring no child feels hungry during the school day.”

Lynne Neagle, Welsh Labour Cabinet Secretary for Education, said: “This summer, we hit the remarkable milestone of more than 50 million meals being served since the introduction of Universal Free School Meals. This is a ground-breaking achievement and a significant feat in tackling child poverty across our communities.

“Every child in Wales deserves access to healthy food, which is why we are now taking further steps, reviewing responses to our consultation which will help more children get their five-a-day and make school menus healthier.”

A consultation is currently underway which reviews regulations setting out the types of food and drink that may be provided during the school day, including defining the content of school lunches.