London celebrates second year of free school meals

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

More than 43 million free school meals were funded last year, with up to 287,000 children benefitting.

Families could save more than £1,000 per child over the first two years due to City Hall funded scheme, with support also available during school holidays.

The two chefs joined the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, marked the extension of the funding by visiting Henry Fawcett Primary School in Lambeth.

Khan said: “Funding free school meals for all state primary schoolchildren across London is one of my proudest achievements as Mayor, so I’m delighted that the programme is now entering its second year and reducing the financial pressure on families. By ensuring pupils don’t go hungry in the classroom, they can better concentrate on their studies and have the best possible chance to succeed.

“I know from personal experience what a difference free school meals can make and I am determined to ensure that no child in the capital goes hungry. That’s why for as long as I am Mayor all state primary schoolchildren will be offered free school meals, helping to build a fairer and healthier London for everyone.”

City Hall has invested a further £140 million to continue the programme for a second year to ensure that all children attending state primary school in London are 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 over the first two years per child.

Previously, children in Years 3 to 6 would only receive free school meals if they lived in households on Universal Credit earning less than £7,400 a year - after tax and not including benefits - 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 all children free school meals has a wide range of benefits.

For example, it improves financial and psychological security for parents as they don’t have to worry about the cost of food at school, supports school engagement with improved concentration and engagement from pupils, and reduces stigma for children who would ordinarily get means-tested meals.  

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