More than 9,000 children in Cheshire West could lose out if free school meals are scrapped.
Speculation has suggested the government is planning to stop the meal scheme for infants, which only came in to place in September last year.
Cheshire West and Chester Council said 9,075 children were eligible for the scheme during 2014.
Cabinet member for children and families Councillor Nicole Meardon said: “I think it’s ridiculous when so many schools have invested in new kitchens.
“The amount of money which has been invested on extending their facilities and now they are going to have it all taken away again.”
Doctors and nutritionists say only 1% of packed lunches meet the nutritional standards which apply to school food.
Related: Cheshire's most sought after primary schools revealed
The coalition brought in the scheme for universal free school meals for infants in Reception to Year 2.
At primary and secondary level, children from low-income families are eligible to have their catering provided.
Introducing the catering policy also meant many schools missed out on pupil premium grants.
Related: Cheshire's most sought after secondary schools revealed
The amount of funding provided to state institutions was linked to the number claiming on the scheme, but parents no longer needed to apply when it became universal.
Cllr Meardon said: “This is the other problem that’s been caused.
“Many schools have been missing out on the extra funding and pupil premium can be worth up to £1,300 per child to a school.”
How would it affect you if universal free school meals for infants were scrapped? Let us know in the comments below.
