East Ayrshire Labour councillors have been on a whistle-stop tour of the area's schools to spread the message about a new school meals policy.

Earlier this year a decision was taken to introduce half-price school meals for all young people from Primary 6 to S6 from August 2023, as part of a Labour policy.

Cumnock Chronicle:

The policy recieved complete cross-party support and has since been introduced.

The free school meal programme, which has been in place since January 2022, will continue for P1s to P5s and following a decision taken by cabinet in March 2023.

READ MORE: Support for families struggling with East Ayrshire school meals debt

Within secondary schools a meal deal offer will be priced at £1.08 and there will still be an opportunity to buy items at interval and lunchtime at the current retail prices.

Children and young people who receive free school meals due to family income will be unaffected by these changes.

On tour were councillors Linda Holland, June Kyle, Peter Mabon, William Crawford and Elaine Stewart.

READ MORE: Half price school meals are coming to East Ayrshire

Ward 7, Ballochmyle Councillor, Linda Holland, said: "With all P1-P5 pupils already receiving free school meals, this policy recognises the cost-of-living impact being felt by hard working families and is hoped that it will go some way to help family finances, currently stretched to the max by high inflation and mortgage rates, and food and energy costs."

Cumnock Chronicle:

Speaking whilst on tour along with Cllr McKay, leader of the Labour group in East Ayrshire Council, Cllr Douglas, and Cllr McGregor, Ward 9 Doon valley Cllr Stewart added: "I'm hear with my colleagues to bring in this wonderful policy.

"We're feeding the minds of the future and making sure that our children have full bellies."