Rutherglen's MSP welcomes major expansion of free school meals as Trinity High pupils take part in the project's pilot
Rutherglen's MSP has welcomed a major expansion of free school meals as Trinity High pupils take part in the project's pilot.
Clare Haughey is "absolutely delighted" the school in her constituency is playing such a key role.
South Lanarkshire is one of eight councils selected to take part in the Test of Change phase of the Scottish Government's Free School Meal expansion, running from next month to July 2026.
The move will see over 400 more young people in the area benefit from a free, nutritious meal every school day, helping families save money and ensuring no child goes hungry.
Trinity High School in Rutherglen is one of the schools involved in the most recent expansion, which builds upon the Scottish Government's existing provision of free meals to all pupils in P1 to P5, and all eligible pupils in P6 to S6, with more than 230,000 children across Scotland already benefiting.
Clare Haughey MSP told Lanarkshire Live: "I'm absolutely delighted that Trinity High School has been chosen to take part in this pilot.
"It means that even more young people in our community will have access to a free, healthy meal each day - and that's a game changer for many families.
"At a time when household budgets are under real pressure, this is practical support that makes a real difference.
"It's also about fairness, and making sure every child has the same chance to thrive in school."
Ms Haughey added: "Councils were asked to identify schools which already have the capacity in place to deliver these additional meals.
"The increase in cooking and preparation requires adequate space and staffing levels, and so not every school could accommodate this.
"I have, therefore, written to the council to learn more about capacity in other local schools, and to hear about what work is being doing to increase this capacity, to accommodate any future expansion after the pilot phase."
If your child attends Trinity High, is in S1-S3, and you receive the Scottish Child Payment, you can apply for free meals using the council's online form at www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/xfp/form/683.
Families who already receive free school meals do not have to reapply.
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