Starting in the autumn term, all Key Stage 1 - Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 - pupils in state-funded schools in England are eligible for a healthy, cooked lunch, at no cost to parents or guardians.
It means more than 8,300 pupils in Wolverhampton will get a main course and dessert every weekday during term time.
It is part of the national Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme to provide free school meals to Key Stage 1 pupils in maintained infant and primary schools, free schools, academies, schools for pupils with special educational needs and pupil referral units.
Parents do not need to register to receive these meals, but many schools have asked parents to do so in order that the necessary arrangements can be made.
Councillor Phil Page, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Learning, said: "I'm delighted that all Reception and Year 1 and 2 pupils in Wolverhampton will be able to receive delicious and nutritious lunches for free from next week.
"We've carried out a lot of work over the last few months to prepare for the launch of universal free school meals in Wolverhampton, including recruiting 40 additional catering staff and carrying out extensive development work at a number of schools across the city.
"I'd urge all parents of children who are starting Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 this autumn to take advantage of this excellent opportunity.
"And I'd encourage parents to apply for this either through their school or via Type=articles;Articleid=2558;Title=Free School Meals; as it may also enable their school to claim additional 'Pupil Premium' funding from the Government."
As well as the Universal Infant Free School Meals programme, many children and young people in Years 3 and above - and nursery aged children receiving full time education - will continue to receive free school meals, saving families around £400 a year per child. Parents should make sure they have registered for these and meet eligibility requirements.
Some infant aged children may also be able to enjoy free milk; parents must register before the start of term to receive this benefit.
The council's Catering Services team scooped a Food for Life mark for the standard of meals served up in its primary schools earlier this year after meeting strict criteria including ensuring that at least 75% of dishes were freshly prepared, all meat is from farms which satisfy UK welfare standards and that menus cater for all dietary needs.
Schools in Wolverhampton offer a rotating 3 week menu including vegetarian options. To see the primary and secondary school menus, please visit Type=articles;Articleid=2945;Title=School menus;.
- released: Friday 29 August, 2014