Free Samples of Primary School Meals Available during Challenge Poverty Week
As part of Challenge Poverty Week, which runs from 7 to 11 October, all of Midlothian Council’s Primary Schools will be offering free samples of menu items to pupils.
View Primary School Menu
The free samples offered would be from whichever menu dishes are planned for that day. Parents are being directed to the Midlothian council website to view the primary school menu and ingredient/allergen information.
Pupils can request samples on the day
There is no need to book ahead for this initiative. Primary pupils can ask the catering staff for the free samples on the day from Monday to Thursday of next week.
Award winning lunches
Cllr Ellen Scott, Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Young People, said: “Our award-winning Primary School Meals provide pupils with a healthy and nutritious lunch and I am delighted that we are offering free samples as part of our Challenge Poverty Week activities.
Free School Meals and Clothing Grants
“We hope this initiative will encourage more families on low incomes to apply for free school meals and clothing grants for the current school year 2024/25.”
Pre-school up to P5 pupils already eligible
All children in primary 1 to 5 are eligible for free school meals, however their families must apply for clothing grants. All children in early learning and childcare can also get a free meal (either breakfast, lunch or dinner) on the days they attend.
P6 and P7 children
Children in primary 6 or 7 can also get free lunches in school if their family gets certain benefits.
On certain benefits
Families may qualify if they get Child Tax Credit (not Working Tax Credit) and their income is less than £19,995; or both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit and have an income of up to £9,552; or Universal Credit with a take home pay of no more than £796 per month.
£120 or £150 school clothing grants
They may also be able to get money to help with their child's school clothing and shoes. School clothing grants are £120 for primary pupils and £150 for secondary pupils.
Application Process
If families received an award for the previous school year, and they are on certain benefits, they will have received an automatic award letter during July confirming that they will receive their free school meal or clothing grant automatically.
If you are not automatically entitled
Families who did not automatically receive an award can apply for one. Each of these awards is valid for one year only and an application needs to be completed every year.
Please note that the closing date for clothing grant applications is 31st March 2025
What happens once your application is submitted?
Midlothian Council aims to process applications within 28 days. Applicants are being encouraged to only contact Midlothian Council if they have not received a response within 28 days.