Written question WQ87723

I am not aware of concerns that the quality of food provided in schools has diminished in any local authority since the rollout of universal free school meals.

The Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Wales) Regulations set out nutritional standards for an average school lunch and food and drink requirements throughout the school day. Food and drink provided in all local authority maintained schools, during a school day, must meet the Regulations and be considered alongside the Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities and Governing Bodies and the Healthy Eating in Schools (Wales) Measure 2009. In addition to the duty placed on local authorities through the regulations, our universal primary free school meals grant terms and conditions confirm that, during the roll-out of the universal free school meal offer, all local authorities should ensure that the quality and nutritional value of food is maintained for all pupils including those who have previously been in receipt of a free school meal.

This work is being carried out in collaboration with Siân Gwenllian MS, the Plaid Cymru lead designated member, as part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.