School lunches

Free school meals help make sure children can enjoy a healthy meal during the school day. Your child may be entitled to free school meals if you receive certain benefits and they attend a South Lanarkshire school.

Free school meals also include free milk for primary pupils. We make the process simple and discreet so all pupils anonymity is protected and they can enjoy their meals without feeling different.

Who can get free school meals

Free school meals are automatically available to all pupils in Primary 1 to Primary 5.

If your child is in Primary 6, Primary 7 or secondary school, they may still qualify for free school meals if you receive certain benefits. You can check eligibility and apply online by following the link at the bottom of the page.

How free school meals work

All schools use a meal payment system that protects the privacy and dignity of pupils who receive free school meals. Other pupils cannot tell who receives a free meal.

In secondary schools, pupils can use their free school meal allowance:

• at breakfast
• during mid‑morning break
• at lunchtime

This gives pupils flexibility to choose food when they need it during the school day.

Ordering food in secondary schools

Secondary pupils can use the fusion mobile app to pre‑order food for mid‑morning break or lunchtime. This allows them to:

• choose meals in advance
• collect food quickly
• avoid queues

The free school meal allowance can be used through the app in the same way as paying pupils.

Apply or find out more

You can apply for free school meals and check eligibility on the School clothing grants and free school meals page.

If you need help with an application or have questions about free school meals, contact your child’s school for advice and support.