Sadiq Khan will roll out free school meals for all primary kids for second year
All children in London's primary schools will be able to get free school meals for a second year, Sadiq Khan has announced.
The London Mayor, who is fighting to win a third term, unveiled £140 million plans to extend universal provision of hot dinners for the 2024/25 school year, after piloting the approach in state-funded primaries across the Capital from September. The move will save families up to £1,000 per child over the two-year period, according to analysis by City Hall.
The Mirror has been campaigning for free school meals for all primary school children, a call supported by teachers, charities and top chefs. Children are currently eligible for free dinners until the end of Year 2 but after that, they only qualify if their parents receive certain benefits. Some 900,000 children living in poverty in England miss out on free school meals because of the strict eligibility criteria.
Mr Khan, who relied on free school meals as a child, said he knew what a difference free, nutritious meals could make to children and parents struggling with cost of living pressures. He said: "I am thrilled to announce my intention to extend this lifeline for families for yet another year.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said free school meals were a lifeline for families (PA)“I know from personal experience what a difference these meals can make and it’s been fantastic to hear from teachers how much better children are performing and also how much parents and their children have benefited, with parents not having to worry about how to provide their children with a healthy, nutritious meal during the school day.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
"Sadly Londoners continue to struggle with the cost-of-living crisis and with the Government failing to step forward to deliver these meals, we have worked hard to find the money to provide this vital funding for the next academic year."
Under the plans, boroughs will be offered £3 per meal by City Hall - higher than the £2.53 per meal offered by the Government. The pilot scheme has already helped up to 287,000 children across London since it was launched in September, thanks to £135 million in emergency funding.
TV chef Jamie Oliver praised the move, saying: "Not only will it help families make ends meet, but evidence proves that children having access to delicious, nutritious food at school is the foundation of their wellbeing and educational success. It’s more than just nourishing their bodies – it's a fundamental support system that significantly impacts their future."
His views were echoed by chef Tom Kerridge, who said: “This is great news for so many parents feeling the pressure from the cost-of-living crisis. No child should go hungry because their parents cannot afford to buy them lunch. This latest announcement from the Mayor of London will reduce the burden on parents and carers across the capital, hit hard by rising costs, it is really good news.”
Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, which has been campaigning for universal free school meals, said the success of the rollout was "something to be celebrated". He said: "Teachers and school leaders know the difference a hot, healthy free school meal makes to our pupil’s lives – and those of their families.
"Children cannot learn if they’re hungry and the mayor’s initiative is helping London’s young people concentrate, engage and enjoy their time at school. Given the success of the London scheme, it is time for politicians from every party to unite in calling for the national extension of Free School Meals for All. From Cornwall to Crewe, Margate to Manchester – no child should be left behind.”
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
