Government funding for universal infant free school meals (UIFSM) will rise by 5 per cent, but critics say the increase “falls far too short” of what is needed due to inflation.
Guidance published yesterday shows the funding for free school meals offered to all pupils in reception, year 1 and year 2 will rise by 12p from £2.41 to £2.53 a meal.
The uplift will be backdated to April 1. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows inflation rose by 7.8 per cent in the 12 months to April 2023.
Brad Pearce, chair of LACA, which represents school food providers, said: “We recognise any increase in funding is a good thing”.
