Hot meals now available at all government-funded schools in Jersey

Jersey's government says that all students in their primary schools are now offered hot school meals.

The scheme was part of a programme which began over 5 years ago in September 2019. A pilot ran in 5 local schools with the help of the charity and supplier Caring Cooks.

It has now been expanded across all of the primary schools fully funded by the government - with UK-based supplier Apetito also now involved.

The meals cost £2.50 per day, though some children are eligible to have this for free.

Deputy Rob Ward, Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: "It's a great time of year for this to be finished and it's doing a world of good for our children.

"It's taken a while - there's been little bumps in the road along the way - but I've got to say thank you to the staff who have enabled this to happen.

"Every culture in the world has something around sitting together and eating - and that's what we're doing in our schools".

"It works towards reducing inequalities in our society, improves healthy eating and helps to reduce the cost-of-living pressures for islanders".

The schools meals programme remains in a pilot phase until April next year.

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