Free meals in all primary schools 'benefits education, health and life chances'

20 February 2023 , 23:07

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An estimated 800,000 children living in poverty miss out due to eligibility rules (Image: Humphrey Nemar.)

The decision to offer free meals to all primary school children in London for a year will make the case for extending the benefit “irrefutable”, Boris Johnson’s former food tsar Henry Dimbleby has said.

He said the plans by London Mayor Sadiq Khan would prove the benefit to children’s education, health and life chances.

Pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to ensure all primary pupils in England get a proper hot meal, as an estimated 800,000 children living in poverty miss out due to eligibility rules.

Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting yesterday became the most senior Labour frontbencher to signal support, describing the plans as a “welcome opportunity”. Mr Dimbleby, who co-founded fast- food chain Leon, said: “It would be great to see this in manifestos.”

The PM’s official spokesman said: “The Government has expanded access to free school meals more than at any other time in recent decades.”

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Sadiq Khan revealed youngsters across the city will enjoy the 'lifeline' from September, with 270,000 children benefiting (PA)

The “game-changing” announcement is a major victory for the Mirror’s Free School Meals for All campaign.

Thanks to £130million in emergency funding every primary pupil in the capital will receive a hot, nutritious meal from September this year.

Some 270,000 children will benefit, saving their families an estimated £440 a year.

Boris Johnson’s former food tsar Henry Dimbleby said the decision to offer free meals to all primary school children in London will make the case for extending the benefit “irrefutable” (DAVID HARTLEY/REX/Shutterstock)

Mr Khan said: “I know from personal experience that free school meals are a lifeline.

“The difference they can make to children who are at risk of going hungry – and to families who are struggling to make ends meet – is truly game-changing.”

The “game-changing” announcement is a major victory for the Mirror’s Free School Meals for All campaign

The Mirror is calling for politicians in England to follow Scotland and Wales by providing free school meals for all primary school pupils.

Our Free School Meals For All campaign has been backed by the teaching unions, charities and leading chefs.

Mr Khan said he had decided to step in because the Government had so far refused to help families hit by the spiralling cost of living crisis.

Lizzy Buchan