FAMILIES in the New Forest will be hit by a second hike in the cost of school meals after Hampshire County Council announced prices will rise by 20p from June 5th.
Following a 20p increase on 31st October last year, HHC now says it must increase costs again in the face of escalating food costs and “continued underfunding” from central government. It means school meals will now cost £3 a day or £15 a week, adding £1 to the weekly cost of lunch per pupil.
The move, which is deemed necessary to avoid considerable losses by the authority’s school meal provider, HC3S, will affect parents and carers who pay for school meals as well as the schools themselves.
Cllr Steve Forster, cabinet member for education, said: “Increasing the price of school meals was a very difficult decision as we are acutely aware of the cost of living pressures that continue to face households, and especially so soon after the last increase in October.
“However, this decision has been unavoidable due to escalating food costs and the anticipated impact of the latest national pay proposal. Government funding has simply not kept pace with these inflationary pressures.
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“HC3S is committed to pricing meals solely to cover costs, without making a profit. It also works extremely hard to offer a healthy and balanced two-course hot meal at affordable prices.
“While ongoing efforts are made to keep costs low, we will not compromise the nutritional quality or portion size of meals. Doing so would adversely affect children, particularly those from low-income households who rely on our hot meals. We also want to make sure we can recruit and retain dedicated catering staff at schools.”
While schools are funded by the government to provide free school meals for all pupils in reception and years 1 and 2; this payment does not cover the full associated costs. In addition, schools are already topping up the cost of free-means-tested meals for older pupils from other budgets.
Cllr Forster added: “We know that families and schools alike are facing rising costs across the board.
“From our latest round of Household Support Funding – the scheme which aims to support low-income families and individuals struggling with the cost of food and fuel – we plan to provide funds to schools so they can offer grants at their own discretion to families most in need.”
Other schemes such as community pantries which provide lower-cost groceries, community grants for vulnerable families, and the Holiday and Activities Food programme for children receiving free school meals, will also continue to receive county council funding.
Councillor Forster said: “These are difficult times, and the decision to increase meal prices has not been taken lightly. Nevertheless, we remain committed to providing high-quality lunches to support the learning of Hampshire’s children and young people.”