Isle of Wight school meals prices are rising for some, as caterer Chartwells cites a rise in costs and supply issues.

Parents and carers of children in year three and above may now find themselves paying more for hot food during the school day.

As schools try to find ways to fund the price rise, some have announced meals will be more expensive - up to 25p extra each time.

Schools negotiate their own contracts with the catering firm, from which the Isle of Wight County Press has asked for a statement.

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In a letter to parents, Chartwells said: "Like all UK businesses, we are currently experiencing significant inflationary pressures.

"With inflation continuing to rise, we are now required to increase the price of the meal served at your child’s school."

It insists it has been trying to absorb the extra costs by changing its menu and negotiating with suppliers.

All children in reception and years one and two continue to be entitled to free school meals.

Can I get help with the cost of school meals?

Free school meals are available to children whose parents receive benefits or those on an income of less than £7,400 (as of April 2022).

Chartwells won its £6.3million contract to feed Island schoolchildren in 2012, initially for three years, with an option to extend.

The announcement will mean more pressure on struggling families, a year after the number of people qualifying for free school meals began to rise here, indicating a rise in poverty.

Food pantries are now supporting those who need it, in some Island communities, but they partly rely on extra donations of food and cash.

The rise and rise of food pantries on the Isle of Wight

Over the last 12 months, food pantries have started to operate on the Isle of Wight, providing low-cost food for a minimum membership price.

These are now running in East Cowes, Ventnor, Ryde and Newport.

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Chartwells told parents and carers, this week: "We want to assure you the decision to take this action was not taken lightly.

"We will always continue to do all we can to provide you the best possible value for money

"All menus will continue to provide children a choice of nutritious and delicious meals, while complying with the Government’s nutritional guidelines, and catering for those with allergies."

  • What do you think about the rise in the price of school meals? Does your child or grandchild eat at school? Email editor@iwcp.co.uk with your thoughts, or find the County Press on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.