Primary School children in Battersea to receive free school meals

Story by Joe Acklam

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has announced an historic emergency scheme to ensure every primary school child in London receives free school meals in the next academic year. 

Khan announced that he would be investing £130 million to help around 270,000 children receive free school meals to save families circa £440 per year. 

Khan received free school meals as a child and has repeatedly called upon the government to provide free school meals nationwide as research has shown that hundreds of thousands of children do not receive them as despite living in poverty, they do not qualify due to the government's restrictive eligibility criteria and a lack of universal provision. 

He said: "The cost-of-living crisis means families and children across our city are in desperate need of additional support. I have repeatedly urged the Government to provide free school meals to help already stretched families, but they have simply failed to act. 

"This is why I'm stepping forward with an emergency £130m scheme that will ensure every single primary pupil in the capital receives free school meals. 

"This will save families hundreds of pounds over the year, ensuring parents aren't worrying about how they're going to feed their children. 

"It will also guarantee every primary school student a healthy, nutritious meal – meaning they don't go hungry in the classroom and can better concentrate on their studies.  

"I know from personal experience that free school meals are a lifeline. My siblings and I depended on them to eat while at school and my parents relied on them to give our family a little extra breathing room financially. 

"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. 

"Supporting London's families through this cost-of-living crisis and helping ensure our children are properly fed is vital as we continue striving to build a better London for everyone – a city that is fairer, safer and more prosperous for all." 

The announcement was made by Khan on 20th February during a visit to his old school Fircroft Primary in Wandsworth and the funding has been made available due to additional business rates income. 

MP for Battersea, Marsha de Cordova, said: "This measure will be a huge relief to children and their struggling families across the capital.

"Well done @SadiqKhan for showing leadership and stepping up where the govt have repeatedly refused to act."