Price of school lunches to rise

The Daily Mail reports that the future of healthy school meals is under threat because of the rising cost of food. The soaring price of bread, eggs and cooking oil has left many councils struggling to maintain the subsidised lunches. It is feared that some may stop providing them.

Figures from the School Food Trust show that 43 per cent of English councils made a loss on their school meals last year. The average price to parents was £1.64 - but that conceals an average subsidy of 43p a meal. Many private firms fear that if they pass on rising costs then parents will tell children to opt for cheaper, less healthy alternatives.

Parents have already been told to expect a 10 per cent rise in prices for meals at primary schools. It will mean an annual bill of £390 per pupil.