The Welsh Government committed to rolling out universal primary free school meals (UPFSM) to all primary-aged pupils in Wales, initially as part of its Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru. To support the rollout of this policy, WCPP were asked to undertake research looking at:
- Understanding the ‘unit rate’ or cost per meal of UPFSM and how it has changed over time;
- The wider costs and benefits associated with the policy; and
- How UPFSM could interact with other policy areas and Welsh Government priorities.
We undertook a data collection exercise over the spring and summer of 2023, showing that costs had increased between 2019 and 2023 in line with the inflationary pressures in the wider economy at the time. Our research supported the subsequent decision of the Welsh Government to uplift the unit rate from £2.90 to £3.20.
Dr Jonathan James of the University of Bath prepared an evidence review showing that UPFSM can be a beneficial policy, especially if it is delivered with strong nutritional standards for the meals provided. In these cases, there are benefits to learner health outcomes and (in some cases) to attainment and later life benefits. The evidence review considered policy interventions from several countries, particularly the English universal infant free school meal offer; Sweden’s free school meals programme; and programmes within the United States.
This was reinforced in our roundtable discussion, held in June 2024, where experts stressed the importance of a healthy nutritional content alongside a positive school meal environment for achieving benefits. The roundtable brought together experts from across the UK, including academics, government officials, practitioners and wider stakeholders. The roundtable discussion also included the extent to which UPFSM can tackle poverty and poverty stigma, as well as longer-term benefits of the policy.