SCHOOL MEALS: JOHNSTONE WANTS DETAIL ON ADDITIONAL £12M
Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian and education spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, is welcoming the Scottish Government's pledge of additional funding to support the roll-out of free school meals for P1-3.
Earlier this year FoI requests by Ms Johnstone revealed many school dining facilities are already at capacity, and many schools have no kitchens in which to prepare fresh food.
Alison Johnstone MSP said:
"Local authorities have quite rightly pressed the Scottish Government to fully fund the roll out of free school meals, and I look forward to the details of how this additional money will be spent. Providing a universal benefit for our primary pupils makes plenty of sense but my research supports concerns I've long had about the capacity and quality of school facilities.
"As well as better facilities I hope the additional funding announced today ensures training and support for the 10,000 people directly employed in schools catering. These staff are often undervalued and will be central to the successful roll-out. We must ensure they have the resources they need."
GREEN MSP UNCOVERS CAPACITY CHALLENGE (Scottish Greens, 24 February)