Price Increase on School Meals Will ‘Acute’ Effect on Children Living in Poverty
School meal price hikes will significantly impact children in poverty who do not qualify for free meals, warns Chris Quinn, Northern Ireland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People. He is advocating for a fundamental rethink of school meal provisions, particularly in light of rising costs.
Key Details About the Price Increase on School Meals
– Implementation Date: Increases take effect from January 1, 2026.
– New Prices:
– Primary and special school pupils: Up from £2.60 to £3.10, a 50p increase.
– Post-primary pupils: 19% rise in canteen food prices.
– Pre-school meals will also see a price increase.
– Financial Context: The Education Authority (EA) faces a staggering £300 million funding gap and does not anticipate additional in-year funds to bridge the shortfall.
Quinn highlights that many children from low-income families are at risk of going to school hungry, stating, “The reality is there’s too many children here going to school hungry, and there’s way too many that miss out on a free school meal.”
Rising Cost of Living
The cost of living has surged, adversely affecting even working families. Parents, like Sue McDonnell, are grappling with the financial strain. She notes, “I actually shop around for everything,” adding that she’ll need to reevaluate how many school meals she can afford. “Can I afford to give them a hot meal three days a week, or might I have to cut it down to two?”
Voices of Concern
– Sue McDonnell: With three children, she questions the sudden price increase after years of stability. “It’s a lot of money in one go.”
– Glen Cawley: A self-employed individual, he expresses the opinion that the government should ensure every child receives at least one free meal per day, regardless of their parents’ employment status.
Breakdown of School Meal Costs
– Pre-school: £3.00
– Primary: £3.10
– Post-Primary: 19.25% increase
– Special School: £3.10
– Adult Meal: £3.99
Implications of the Price Increase on School Meals
The EA reports that around 210,000 school meals are consumed daily, with roughly 90,000 pupils eligible for free meals. Recent inflation rates have risen approximately 35% since the last price increase in 2017/18, while the cost to produce a school meal averages £4.28.
The authority has implemented restrictions on hiring new staff and limiting substitute teachers as part of its austerity measures. However, the latest price hike directly impacts families, driving home the urgency for a comprehensive strategy to ensure children, especially those in poverty, have access to nutritious meals at school.