Forres based Highlands and Islands Green MSP Ariane Burgess wants Moray schools to provide free school meals for S1-3

A politician from Forres is calling on Moray Council to be one of the first to sign up for the expansion of free school meals for S1-3 pupils.

The Scottish Greens secured funds for the increase to thousands of S1-S3 pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment (SCP), starting with eight council areas this August.

Highlands and Islands MSP, Ariane Burgess, pointed out that hungry children find it far more difficult to learn.

She said: “Problems like classroom hunger simply should not exist in a country as wealthy as Scotland. As a result of this work, more pupils will now get a free school meal.

“I hope Moray Council will volunteer to be one of the first areas to provide these free lunches, which the Scottish Greens have always championed. This secondary school expansion builds on the work we’ve already done to provide more meals in primary schools.”

Ms Burgess believes no pupils should have to learn on an empty stomach simply because they cannot afford a school lunch.

She added: “Each and every child in Scotland should have what they need to do well at school, including a free and healthy meal.”

Moray Councillor, Draeyk van der Horn (Greens, Forres) is encouraging his colleagues to take up the offer.

He said: “Good food feeds the brain, supports active minds, and promotes healthy bodies. I strongly encourage our participation in this initiative, as it will greatly benefit many young people in Moray.”

A spokesperson confirmed the local authority “welcomes initiatives that support young people in accessing school meals.

She added: “While we’re aware of the Scottish Government’s commitment to trialling free school meals for S1-S3 pupils, we’ve yet to receive further details on the rollout.”