School pupils across the north-east are poised to take advantage of discounted lunches when they return to class this week.
Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray councils have all registered their canteens for the UK Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme to give students half price meals.
However, Highland Council has opted not to join the initiative, saying the time and resources needed to manage the initiative means it is “not viable”.
Pupils in P1-P3 in Scotland already receive free school lunches with the scheme giving the remaining primary and secondary students half price meals on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Vivienne Cross, Moray Council’s head of education, said: “Taking advantage of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme feels like a small gesture that will make a big difference to families, who still face a lot of uncertainty.
“Anything we can do to help our families at this time is being considered and we’re sure this scheme will be a welcome boost as schools return.”
The initiative was devised to encourage diners back to cafes and restaurants but also includes school canteens.
The scheme is only running during August with Moray Council confirming the discounts will be offered from the first day of term.
Aberdeenshire Council has confirmed it has registered to take part.
A Highland Council spokesman said: “The Highland Council has considered the UK Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme and determined that the cost, time and resource implications of implementing the scheme for eight days only during August are not viable.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “We received confirmation last week that ‘eat in’ school meals are eligible for the scheme.
“We will be looking to register each of our schools so they can take advantage from week commencing August 24, the date from which we intend to offer a full menu to pupils and staff.”