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<p>The department spends over £1 billion on the provision of free meals. Schools currently
attract £480 annually through the free school meals (FSM) factor of the national funding
formula, in respect of FSM-eligible pupils. This is increasing to £490 in 2024/25.</p><p>In
addition to this, schools are currently plaid a meal rate of £2.53 to support the
provision of Universal infant FSM.</p><p>The department continues to keep funding
under review and regularly meet with stakeholders to monitor issues in this sector,
including food industry representatives, school leaders and pupils.</p><p>Further
to this, the department supports the provision of nutritious food in schools through
‘The Requirements for School Food Regulations’ (2014), which require schools to provide
children with healthy food and drink options, and to make sure that children get the
energy and nutrition they need across the school day. These regulations are available
at: <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1603/contents/made" target="_blank">https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1603/contents/made</a>.</p><p>The
school food standards restrict foods high in fat, salt and sugar, as well as low quality
reformed or reconstituted foods. Compliance with the school food standards is mandatory
for all maintained schools, academies and free schools.</p>
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