Free school meals for every primary school pupil in London

The Mayor of London has announced that every primary school pupil in the city will get free school meals next academic year.

Sadiq Khan has launched a one-off £130 million emergency scheme to help Londoners with the cost of living.

Free school meals will be available for every primary school child from September. It is expected the scheme will save families around £440 per child over the year.

Khan has previously called on the government to make free school meals available. Research has shown that hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren live in poverty but due to the eligibility criteria, they are not able to get free school meals.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, 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.”

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