The extension of the provision will support lower-income families through the cost of living crisis as energy and other costs are expected to rise over the winter. In an agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru £11m of funds will be made available.
Free school meals are being provided to whole classes of primary schoolchildren in Wales from this term, as part of the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru’s agreement to provide free school meals to all primary school children in Wales by 2024.
Jeremy Miles, Minister for Education and Welsh Language, said: “We know how difficult school holidays can often be for families, especially during the cost-of-living crisis. As a Government, we are using every lever available to us to support families that need it most.
“During the pandemic, Wales led the way in the UK in providing free school meals during school holiday periods, supported by an investment of over £100 million so far. Providing meals during the school holidays can make a world of difference to families who need extra support, especially as winter approaches. I’m pleased we can extend this support, as we do all we can to lighten the load for families through the cost-of-living crisis.”