Free school meals delivered in London over Christmas

More than one million additional free meals were delivered in London over Christmas.

It is estimated 1.3 million meals were delivered to families across the capital thanks to an emergency funding programme from the Mayor of London and a partnership with the Mayor’s Fund for London and The Felix Project.

Since the Free Holiday Meals programme was launched in April 2023, more than 10.1 million meals have been delivered to families during school holidays and weekends.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Winter can be incredibly tough for families who are already struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis, which is why I’m proud of the difference that our Free Holiday Meals programme is making for Londoners. It is shocking that in a city as prosperous as London so many people have to rely on the work of charities to feed themselves and their families. We desperately need the Government to step forward and increase the amount of support available to families and make sure no child goes hungry this winter, as we build and fairer and better London for all.”

Jim Minton, chief executive of the Mayor's Fund for London: "We’re delighted that investment by the Mayor in this partnership is providing 10 million much-needed meals. Critically, this funding also enables us to deliver our Kitchen Social community hubs network this Christmas, teaching young people how to prepare nutritional meals on a budget and providing free activities to promote physical and mental wellbeing and counteract social isolation. As a result of these activities, 94 per cent are more confident and physically active, 100 per cent feel happier and 84 per cent better understand how to lead a healthy life, building a more resilient generation of young Londoners."

Rachel Ledwith, head of Community Engagement at The Felix Project said: “Christmas can be an incredibly stressful time for parents, particularly those who are on low incomes. There is so much pressure to spend money, they often don’t have, on presents and food and with the increased costs of children at home it can mean many are left with no option but to get into debt or skip meals. Being able to send their children to a holiday club where they are given a free delicious and healthy meal is vital in helping to relieve some of their budgetary pressures. The Felix Project is delighted to once again been supported by the Mayor of London to ensure we can be there to continue to deliver meals during these challenging times.”