Parents in York asked about free school meal plan for all primary pupils

The council has set up a community fund to pay for the free school meals pilot

Parents are to be consulted on plans to provide free school meals to all of York's primary school children.

The proposal is part of the city council's pledge to "start the journey to becoming an anti-poverty city within a decade".

Councillor Bob Webb said the authority would speak with parents at Westfield Primary to hear their worries about food provision and prices.

The council has set up a community fund to pay for the free school meals pilot.

Mr Webb, executive member for children, young people and education, said: "We are all too aware of the impacts of the cost of living crisis for large numbers of York residents, and of the impact of austerity on young people in our schools, and we were elected on a promise to support families through these tough times."

He added: "Making sure we do free school meals the right way, by working with schools, children, parents and the wider school community, is essential if we are going to get the very best from a pilot."

Since September 2014, state funded schools in England have been required by law to provide free lunches to pupils in reception, Year 1 and Year 2, who are not otherwise entitled to benefits-related free school meals.

York's plan would see free school meals given to all other primary year groups.