UK Government scheme delivers 50 percent cut in the price of school meals in East Renfrewshire

East Renfrewshire Council signed up the Treasury initiative meaning the cost of school meals for pupils, whose parents usually pay for their children’s lunch, has been reduced by 50 percent between Monday and Wednesday from August 17 until the end of the month.

The scheme operates in the same manner in schools as it does in restaurants and cafes by providing the half price discount on food and soft drinks up to the value of £10 per person every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Free school meals are not impacted by the initiative and East Renfrewshire Council is one of 16 local authorities in Scotland who have chosen to take part in the Eat Out To Help Out Scheme.

Eastwood MSP, Jackson Carlaw has welcomed news of the 50 percent reduction in the cost of school lunch meals locally and has also encouraged constituents to make use of the discount in local restaurants and cafes before the scheme closes on 31st August.

Mr Carlaw said: “It’s fantastic that there will be a 50 percent discount on school lunch meals for pupils in Eastwood as a result of the UK Government’s Eat Out To Help Out initiative.

“The Eat Out To Help Out scheme is part of the unprecedented financial support measures introduced by the UK Government since the coronavirus emerged and the council’s participation will provide welcome assistance to parents with the cost of school lunch meals.

“Many restaurants and cafes in Eastwood are also taking part in the initiative and I would encourage constituents to support local businesses by making use of the 50 percent discount before the scheme concludes at the end of August.”