It's "unlikely" Manx families on low incomes will be given free school meals over Christmas.
Thae statement comes from the island's Cabinet Minister, Kate Lord Brennan who was speaking in the House of Keys this week.
She was responding to a question from MHK Jason Moorhouse.
He wanted to know if there are plans to run a free school voucher scheme to help parents manage rising costs.
The answer, said Ms Lord Brennan, is no, but if parents are experiencing problems they should get in touch with the benefits office.
Douglas East MHK Joney Faragher has issued a statement asking for those unable to pay for school lunches to get in touch with her directly.
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