NEARLY £3 million worth of school meal debt has been written off across Scotland, according to new figures.
Through a national fund, school meal debt totalling £2,877,287.97 has been cancelled by 29 councils across Scotland.
Pupils in Aberdeen were the biggest beneficiary after figures showed over £400,000 of debt was cancelled by the fund, the Daily Record reports.
The fund was established following campaigning from Scottish Greens MSP, Ross Greer.
Greer said in a statement that he “heard first hand from teachers who dreaded the thought of having to chase their pupils for debt".
"It’s obvious that children cannot learn effectively if they are hungry or stressed and embarrassed by their family finances," he said.
“That’s why I worked during the Greens’ time in government to wipe this debt out. Behind today’s news are thousands of struggling families who have been given a bit of much needed financial relief.
“Cancelling this debt was an important measure and we are proud to have delivered it, but we will continue to pressure the Scottish Government to expand the number of children eligible for a free meal in the first place.”
The write-off fund was awarded in response to concerns over school meal debt during the cost of living crisis.
