1,214 MORE LOCAL PUPILS TO BENEFIT FROM FREE SCHOOL MEALS
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed a major expansion of free school meals, which will now be available to pupils in S1 to S3 across North Ayrshire as part of a new pilot by the SNP Scottish Government.
North Ayrshire is one of eight councils selected to take part in the Test of Change phase of the Scottish Government’s Free School Meal expansion, running from August 2025 to July 2026. The move will see 1,214 more young people in North Ayrshire benefit from a free, nutritious meal every school day, helping families save money and ensuring no child goes hungry.
The expansion builds on the SNP Government’s existing provision of free meals to all pupils in P1 to P5 and all eligible pupils in P6 to S6, with more than 230,000 children across Scotland already benefiting.
North Ayrshire joins Aberdeen, Fife, Glasgow, Moray, North Ayrshire, Shetland, South Lanarkshire and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in delivering this next step in the SNP’s plan to tackle child poverty and improve outcomes for children and young people.
Commenting, Ruth Maguire MSP said:
“I’m absolutely delighted that North Ayrshire has been chosen to take part in this pilot. It means that even more young people in our community will have access to a free, healthy meal each day, and that’s a game changer for many families.
“At a time when household budgets are under real pressure, this is practical support that makes a real difference. It’s also about fairness, making sure every child, no matter their background has the same chance to thrive in school.
“While Labour at Westminster imposes cuts and continues to deepen inequality, the SNP Government is taking bold, progressive action to support families and tackle child poverty head-on.
“Free school meals are not just about food, they’re about dignity, equality and opportunity. That’s what we’re delivering here in North Ayrshire and across Scotland under John Swinney.”
Ruth Maguire MSP (SNP) 