The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today confirmed that all primary school children in state-funded schools in the capital will continue to get free school meals for the next academic year, providing £140million extra funding as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit families.
The extension of universal free school meals could save families up to £1,000 per child across two years, City Hall claimed in the announcement this morning.
“This is vital support for families facing a cost of living crisis, and will ensure that primary school children get at least one nutritious meal a day. Essentially, providing them with a much-needed safety net,” the announcement said.
When they are hungry, children struggle to concentrate and learn in the classroom. A free school meal will help children to reach their potential.
Children will receive their free school meal under the Mayor’s scheme automatically, but it is really important that parents and guardians continue to complete their school or borough’s registration form, because a child may be eligible for extra funding for their school from the government, which is worth £1,300 per year.
In some boroughs and schools there are also extra entitlements parents and guardians might be eligible for, such as support for food in the school holidays.
More information about how to register for government free school meals should be available on Croydon Council’s website.
“We are working closely with boroughs, schools and others to make sure that there is a straightforward process as this initiative is implemented,” City Hall said.
Delighted: Marina Ahmad AM
Assembly Member Marina Ahmad, Labour’s economy spokesperson at City Hall, said, “I am delighted that the Mayor has been able to commit further funding to City Hall’s ground-breaking universal free school meals policy.
“This £140million investment means that families across London will save up to £1,000 per child over two years.
“With the cost of living crisis still biting, I am so pleased that City Hall is stepping up to support Londoners. The current scheme has already given out more than 17million meals between September and Christmas.
“I have long campaigned on the issue of childhood hunger, with my 2022 report into this showing unacceptable levels of food insecurity in the capital.
“I am thrilled that this genuinely life-changing policy will continue and that London’s children and families get the support they need.”
- If you have a news story about life in or around Croydon, or want to publicise your residents’ association or business, or if you have a local event to promote, please email us with full details at inside.croydon@btinternet.com
- Our comments section on every report provides all readers with an immediate “right of reply” on all our content. Our comments policy can be read by clicking here
- Inside Croydon works together with the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, as well as BBC London News and ITV London
