Price of school meals held as pupils set for return to school
The price of school meals has been frozen in Swansea ahead of pupils returning to school next week.
It means families choosing to use the service will continue to pay £2.40 a day.
In a usual year school catering teams serve around 13,000 cooked meals every day in Swansea's primary and secondary schools.
They have worked hard to maintain the service where possible throughout the pandemic often responding at short notice to changing circumstances.
Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Education Improvement, Learning and Skills, Robert Smith said: "The council has recognised that as a result of the pandemic many families are struggling so despite significant cost pressures on this service the price of a school meals will not rise.
"This means that school meals remain good value for money as throughout the pandemic the catering teams have continued to use local fresh produce and encourage healthy eating where possible."
During the pandemic the number of families who registered for free school schools has increased.
Cllr Smith added: "Parents or carers in receipt of a number of benefit payments are eligible and I would encourage those that think they might qualify to visit the website www.swansea.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals to check. Those without access to the internet can phone the council on 01792 635353.
"Most schools in Swansea operate a safe and secure cashless payment system making the process as seamless as possible.
"It's really important for their education that children get a nutritious, satisfying lunch to help them re-charge their batteries and to be at their best for afternoon lessons."