Fund supports families with school meal debt

FAMILIES in Dumfries and Galloway have benefitted from nearly £30,000 in support to clear historic school meal debt, according to a new report. The School Meal Debt Fund, launched in May 2024, was distributed to the 30 councils that applied for assistance to clear debt accrued by families up to 31 March 2024. The fund was established by the Scottish Government in response to cost-of-living pressures and the stigma that school meal debt can place on children. Commenting on the report, South of Scotland MSP Emma Harper said: “School meal debt causes stress for families and can stigmatise children. It is therefore hugely welcome that nearly £30,000 of support has been provided to clear debts in Dumfries & Galloway. "Providing free school meals is an important element of the SNP’s commitment to eradicating child poverty as the cost of essentials continues to soar. “Across Scotland, over 230,000 pupils are currently benefitting from free school meals, saving families around £450 per child, per year. “The SNP Scottish Government Budget for 2026-27 makes provision for a further 5,500 pupils to receive free school meals, continuing our mission to give every child the best possible start in life."