Petition created to keep free school meals during half-term

A petition has been started on Change.org by 16-year old Christina Adane, calling on the government to continue free school meals for eligible children over the May half term.

It’s already been signed by 15,000 people and backed by Jamie Oliver.

Her petition points out that the government provided meal vouchers to the most disadvantaged families over the Easter holidays but currently plans to scrap this support during May half-term and the longer summer break.

Although free school meals are usually only available during term time, the Covid-19 pandemic has left other provisions which support young people during school holidays, like youth clubs, unavailable.

Christina, from London, says “I started this campaign because I have seen the impact of free school meals, so I know they are the difference between whether many young people eat or not.

"Now we’re told they will be taken away during the school holidays and thousands have already signed my petition in response. I hope this shows the Prime Minister that these are a lifeline and that he won’t abandon children across the UK by taking away free school meals.”

Politicians are also adding pressure on the government. Tulip Siddiq, the shadow minister for children and early years, said: “Many more children are going hungry in this crisis, so this is absolutely not the time to be withdrawing support for free school meals.”

Christina’s petition can be found at Change.org/SaveOurLunches