Fri, 11 Jul 2025

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 Parents braced for more school meal price rises

Meals went up to £2.90 in April - but Oxfordshire County Council warns there are more increases to come.
School meal prices in Oxfordshire have increased by nearly 14% in April, with a £2.55 meal now costing £2.90. However, a new report suggests that further price hikes will be needed for the service to break even. A mother who pays £180 a month for her three children's school meals expressed concern about the rising costs and portion sizes. She stated that small portions were a problem, with some children receiving just one sausage and an ice cream scoop of mash potato for £2.90. Local authorities are struggling to keep up with inflation, leading to cheaper ingredients and reduced menu choices. A council spokesperson said they want school meals to be affordable but acknowledge the need for further price increases to maintain the service.
  >>