EVERY primary school pupil in Inverclyde can now enjoy a free school dinner every day.
Inverclyde Council has become the first local authority on mainland Scotland to offer free school meals to all primary pupils.
The move follows a unanimous agreement made by councillors at the council's education and communities committee back in May.
Until the start of this school term, free schools meals were available to youngsters in P1 to P5.
Education committee convener, Councillor Jim Clocherty, visited Ardgowan Primary School in Greenock to celebrate the rollout.
He says the council is very proud to be able to provide universal free school meals for every pupil in conjunction with the Scottish Government.
Cllr Clocherty added: "We're delighted to be able to offer this to pupils.
"Parents in Inverclyde already know that their children are being taught by excellent teachers in a refurbished school.
"Now we're adding a nutritionally balanced meal into the mix every day.
"I'm sure this will be of great benefit to both pupils and parents."
Labour councillor Mr Clocherty said making the meals accessible to everyone will help to reduce the stigma surrounding free school meals.
He added: "This is about the alleviation of poverty and helping parents and families.
"By making the lunches accessible to everyone, we're making it clear that everyone is entitled to them.
"We have one of the best education estates in Scotland, if not the UK, and now we're ensuring the young people who attend them are fuelled in the canteen to help reach their full potential in the classroom."
READ MORE: Inverclyde Council agrees on universal free school meal provision
Ardgowan Primary pupils Lucy Johnstone-Bruce, Jude Lang and Emory Workman joined Councillor Clocherty, head teacher Emma Pickett and dinner ladies Margaret McKay and Kate McCallum to celebrate the start of free school lunches for all pupils.
Head teacher Emma says pupils will have three or four tasty options to choose from every day.
She added: "It's fantastic that all children have the opportunity to enjoy a school dinner.
"Knowing that their children will be fed takes some of the pressure off families."
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