In 2022, the Welsh Government began rolling out Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM), making free school lunches available to all primary school children regardless of family income. The rollout was completed in 2024, making Wales the first UK nation to offer universal free school meals to all primary-aged pupils. A new evaluation of the policy provides insights into its impact on children, families and schools.
The evaluation, based on a survey of more than 1,500 parents and carers across Wales, found high levels of school meal uptake. Almost all respondents (92%) said their child eats at least one school meal a week, while 58% reported that their child eats a school meal every day.
Parents and carers reported a range of benefits associated with universal provision:
- 77% said the policy had resulted in financial savings for their family
- 62% felt it had a positive impact on their child's health and wellbeing
- 56% said they worried less about whether their child was getting enough food during the school day
- 58% reported that their child was trying new foods as a result of school meals
Many parents also described how school meals helped children experience a greater variety of foods, often influenced by eating alongside their peers. One parent commented:
"My child is eating a much more varied diet and it's reassuring for me as a parent that he is having a hot meal daily."
The evaluation also highlighted that some families valued universal provision because it removes the need for means-testing and ensures all children eat together. Several parents described universal free school meals as helping children feel included and reducing concerns about cost or being treated differently.
This is something School Food Matters is currently exploring through a research project with the University of York, examining parents' experiences and perceptions of free school meals, including the role that shame and stigma may play in whether families apply for and take up support. Existing evidence suggests that universal approaches can help reduce some of these barriers by ensuring all children are treated the same, regardless of family circumstances.
The Welsh findings add to growing evidence that universal provision can support not only children's nutrition, but also their sense of belonging and inclusion at school.
Universal provision works best when children want the food
One of the most interesting findings was that providing free meals alone does not guarantee that children will choose them. Among families whose children do not regularly eat school meals, the most commonly cited reasons were:
limited menu choice (61%)
not liking the taste of the food (47%)
preferring a packed lunch (32%)
The evaluation found that while cost is an important enabler, uptake continues to depend on the quality, variety and appeal of the food on offer.
This reflects what we see through our work with schools. Expanding access is essential, but children also need school meals that they actively want to choose. Food quality, menu choice and positive dining experiences all play an important role in ensuring children benefit from universal provision.
Through our Nourish programme, we've seen that children are more likely to engage positively with school food when schools take a whole school approach. Food education, tasting activities, pupil voice and positive dining experiences can help children build confidence around food, increase willingness to try new things and strengthen uptake of nutritious school meals.
What does this mean for England?
The findings are particularly relevant for England following the expansion of free school meals to all children in households receiving Universal Credit and ahead of the introduction of revised school food standards from 2027/2028. The Welsh evaluation provides a useful reminder that expanding access is only part of the picture. To realise the full benefits of school food policies, the offer must be nutritious, enjoyable and worth choosing.
As England implements major school food reforms over the coming years, there is an opportunity not only to increase access to school meals, but also to improve children's experience of school food. Done well, this can support nutritious diets, reduce inequalities and help children develop lifelong positive relationships with food.
Read the full Welsh Government evaluation here.
