5 November 2025
SDLP Opposition Education Spokesperson Cara Hunter MLA has said the North is falling further behind when it comes to free school meals.
She was speaking after the Education Authority (EA) announced costs for school dinners would increase by nearly 20%.
The EA also plans savings in other areas due to financial pressures.
East Derry MLA Cara Hunter said:
“At a time when we are seeing increased free school meals provision in the South and other parts of these islands, it’s depressing that it feels like we are falling further behind. Instead of working towards universal free school meals and restoring holiday hunger payments, the EA is instead increasing prices for parents.
“I understand the financial issues facing the EA, but we also must recognise how limited our current free school meals criteria is. Many low-income families are already struggling with the cost of living and receive little to no support when it comes to areas like free school meals and school uniform costs.
“It will be our young people and their families that lose out as a result of cost-cutting across the Education Authority. Years of mismanagement from the EA and Ministers will now have significant consequences that stretch far beyond this increase in the cost of school meals.
“Research shows that increasing free school meal provision results in healthier and happier young people, with improved educational outcomes. It’s a measure that would both save and generate money in the long-term and it’s deeply regrettable that it feels further away than ever.”