Almost all parents of primary school children in England (89%) are in favor of expanding free school meal provisions for all primary school students, according to recent polling data. The survey also revealed that 57% of parents believe that extending free hot lunches would positively impact their family’s financial situation. This support for free school meals comes as statistics show that around 31% of parents have had to reduce the quantity and quality of their groceries since the school year began in September.
Within this group, 64% have decreased their consumption of red meat, while 27% have cut back on purchases of cheese, eggs, or dairy products, and a similar percentage (26%) have limited their intake of fresh vegetables. The Mirror has been a prominent advocate for providing free school meals for all primary students, along with the National Education Union (NEU), which collaborated with YouGov on the survey.
In a significant development, free hot lunches will now be extended to all children in families receiving universal credit (UC) starting in September, benefiting over half a million children. However, the NEU cautions that means-testing may still leave some children and families without this support. Among parents not on UC, 56% believe that free school meals for all would positively impact their family’s finances, while 44% think it would also benefit their mental well-being.
For parents not on UC, 28% are reducing the variety of their weekly grocery shopping, and 27% are cutting down on the quantity of items purchased. Additionally, 16% of parents not receiving UC are being compelled to reduce or cease out-of-school activities. Wales implemented free school meals for all primary school children in 2024, following London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s lead.
The government is currently implementing free breakfast clubs for all primary school children and has announced plans to introduce new school lunch standards mandating healthier menus by eliminating deep-fried foods and high-sugar items like ice cream, waffles, and sugary beverages. Despite these initiatives, unions and school leaders continue to advocate for a free midday meal to support children’s academic performance, well-being, and family finances.
Daniel Kebede, the general secretary of the NEU, emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges faced by families in providing nutritious meals amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The NEU urges the government to expand free school meals to all children to ensure that no child is left behind. Frank Young, CEO of ParentKind, highlighted the potential relief extending Free School Meals to all primary school children would bring to parents.
A spokesperson from the Department for Education reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing financial burdens for families through initiatives such as 30 hours funded childcare and free breakfast clubs. The decision to provide free school meals to every child from households receiving Universal Credit is seen as a significant step in lifting thousands of children out of poverty and easing financial pressures on families.
These efforts, along with other measures outlined in the Child Poverty Strategy, aim to lift a record number of children out of poverty by the end of the parliamentary term. A survey conducted by YouGov for the NEU involved 2,106 parents of primary school children in England from March 19 to 31.