Behind the Headlines - School Meals – FAQs

We thought it may be helpful to provide some background information on school meals

What do you charge for school meals?

At present we charge £2.70 for a two-course meal in primary schools and £2.80 in secondary schools. This is to rise in 2023/24 to £2.80 and £3 respectively.

For that pupils have a wide choice of food, from fruit mid-morning to the lunchtime main meal when they can opt to have soup or pudding with a main course or baked tattie (either meat or vegetarian choice). Those pupils wanting a sandwich can have both soup and pudding for the cost.

Parents know that children having school meals will be getting a healthy option.

Why is a rise necessary?

We have tried to keep the increase to an absolute minimum, but we are all aware of the huge rise in food prices – 17.6% as an average, but some areas are much higher.

This is further exacerbated by food shortages due to climate change (failed or damaged crops) and the war in Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine were responsible for a vast majority of the world’s grain and animal feed crops; oil was another world crop mainly from this area. The war has significantly reduced supply thus increasing costs substantially.

Other factors that have led to this huge increase in food costs are

• Leaving the EU (BREXIT) increased import costs and issues at Customs
• Increased fuel costs
• Driver shortage
• Strike actions
• Increased energy costs
• Bird flu (reduced supply and increased demand has driven prices
• More importantly our location adds further costs to already high priced items, or indeed fresh fruit and vegetables that may be effected by weather, for instance ferry cancellations.

Do parents have to opt for a school meal?

No, the choice remains with the parent/carer. Children can take packed lunches or within secondary schools, pupils can also purchase from outwith the school. However, parents encouraging their children to eat a school meal whether through universal or low income entitlement, or by paying for it, leaves them secure in the knowledge that the fuel your child/ren are taking on board is healthy not just for them but also the environment.

How many children and young people are entitled to free school meals – whether universally or as a result of low income?

171 pupils receive free school meals through eligibility as a result of low income from P6-S6.

1,061 are also entitled through the universal provision for all pupils from P1-P5. (Out of that figure 107 are also entitled through low income and receive the clothing allowance).

In total 278 pupils are entitled to free school meals and the clothing allowance due to low income eligibility.

What is the uptake rate of school meals in Orkney as a % across the schools?

This varies from school to school – with some reporting an uptake rate as high as 96%. The average would be around 75%. Of those eligible for UFSM in P1 to P6 the rate is 88.6%.

How do I apply for free school meals and the clothing allowance?

Applications can be made online via MyOrkney at www.orkney.gov.uk/School-Benefit or call 873535 or contact your school for a paper application form.

We would encourage parents/carers to check again even if they have not been entitled previously. Circumstances and eligibility can change.

What other benefits may they be entitled to as a result of getting free school meals?

School Clothing allowance, payments in lieu of school meals during school holiday periods and strike days.

How is the school menu decided?

The criteria is provided annually by Scottish Government to all local authorities and is followed by OIC. Children in residential care, fostered and children in Kinship Care are also eligible for free school meals under OIC, which is in addition to the Scottish Government criteria.

Do Councils have to follow a strict set of guidelines as to the content of the school menu?

Yes. Schools must follow Nutritional Requirements for Food and Drink in Schools (Scotland) Regulations 2020. As a Bronze award holder Orkney schools also follow guidance from Soil Association under the Food for Life Served Here award. https://www.foodforlife.org.uk/schools

Our menus have to be nutritionally balanced for children to ensure they are receiving the right types of food to support growth and reduce obesity and heart disease etc.

You are able to view primary meal nutritional and allergen information by going to https://orkney-primary.mysaffronportal.com/

We can only serve certain types of food every so often. For example, oily fish should be served once every three weeks (not tinned tuna)) and this is why salmon appears in fish cakes. All bread must contain at least 3g approved fibre. Yoghurts must contain no more than 10g of sugar per 100g. Puddings should have at least 50% fruit or be served with fruit as an addition. Fried foods can only be served three times a week, this includes fish, chips and roast potatoes.

What products do you source locally?

We try and use as many local companies as possible either through our supply chain or directly. This includes for fish, meat, cheese, some vegetables, eggs and bakery products. It’s massively important and ensures we are self-reliant and sustainable. The reason we work so hard to retain our Food for Life is that research has proved that the Food for Life Scotland programme helps Councils to get more Scottish food on the table. Research has shown a social return on investment of £4.41 for every £1 spent.