The expansion of free school meals has seen an increase of 3.5 per cent in uptake in 2023 from the previous year.

This increase was recorded across primary, secondary and additional need schools, from 49.9 per cent in 2022 to 53.4 per cent in 2023 as part of the SNP’s expansion of free school meals.

A total of 231,957 children benefitted from the expansion.

Kirsten Oswald, East Renfrewshire's MP, said: "Scotland has the most comprehensive offer of free school meals of any nation in the UK.

"These statistics underline how action from this SNP Scottish Government is delivering for children and their families across Scotland by easing pressure on household budgets and making sure more children have access to a healthy, nutritious meal."

MP Oswald also addressed the cost of living crisis, attributing it to "consequences of Tory austerity and reckless welfare cuts".

She added: "The expansion of free school meals under the SNP now means that more parents now have one less thing to worry about when trying to make ends meet.

In 2023, the SNP Scottish Government expanded the eligible age groups for free school meals, including all children in primary one to primary five.

The 2024/25 Budget confirmed further extensions, with free meals for primary six and primary seven children who receive the Scottish Child Payment.

MP Oswald said there is a need for independence.

She said: “Where it can, the SNP Scottish Government is doing all it can to mitigate the worst of Westminster’s backwards policies and cost crisis, but without the full powers of independence, there is only so far it can go.

"We need independence, so that the Scottish Government can have the full powers at its disposal to tackle the root causes of poverty, and ensure no child goes hungry again.”