London celebrates second year of free school meals

EB News: 09.10.2024 – 10:49 a.m.

TV chefs Tom Kerridge and Seema Pankhania have joined the Mayor of London to celebrate the second year of free school meals for all primary school pupils in the city's state school district.

Last year, over 43 million free school meals were funded, benefiting up to 287,000 children.

Thanks to a council-funded scheme, families could save more than £1,000 per child in the first two years, and support is also available during school holidays.

The two chefs celebrated the extension of the funding together with London Mayor Sadiq Khan with a visit to Henry Fawcett Primary School in Lambeth.

Khan said: “Funding free school meals for all state primary school pupils across London is one of my greatest achievements as Mayor, so I am delighted that the scheme is now entering its second year and will ease financial pressures on families. By ensuring pupils do not go hungry in the classroom, they can focus better on their studies and have the best possible chance of success.”

“I know first-hand what a difference free school meals can make and I am determined to ensure that no child in the capital goes hungry. That is why, for as long as I am Mayor, all primary school pupils in the state will be offered free school meals, to help create a fairer and healthier London for all.”

City Hall has invested a further £140 million to continue the programme for a second year and ensure that every child attending a state primary school in London is offered a free, nutritious meal.

It is expected that up to 270,000 children will benefit this year and that families could save more than £1,000 per child in the first two years.

Previously, children in years three to six only received free school meals if they lived in Universal Credit households with an annual income (after tax and excluding benefits) of less than £7,400, and regardless of the number of children in the family.

A report by the Child Poverty Action Group and the National Education Union has shown that providing free school meals for all children has numerous benefits.

For example, it improves parents' financial and psychological security by not having to worry about the cost of school meals, it promotes school engagement through improved student focus and effort, and it reduces stigma for children who would normally receive income-based meals.

Chef Tom Kerridge said: “I was entitled to free school meals as a child, so like Sadiq, I know how important they are. I am delighted that all state primary school children in London will continue to receive free school meals, removing the stigma on young people and the financial burden on families.”