Words by Abi Scaife
London will be offering a full year of free school meals to primary school students.
Amazing - tell me more.
Under plans from Sadiq Khan, London primary school students will be eligible for free school meals for one year.
This is in an effort to help parents and families who are being hit by the cost of living crisis.
When does it come into effect?
The free meals will begin in September 2023 - and it’s estimated that it will save parents a whopping £440 per child per school year.
School lunches for kids across London sit at £2.20 per meal, which might not seem that much at first until you consider students are at school 190 days per year.
These savings will be great for families with multiple children at school, helping them to cut costs and giving them some extra breathing room financially. This also ensures that children across London will all be guaranteed at least one hot, healthy meal per day - no matter their home circumstances.
Sadiq, who received free school meals when he was at school, hopes the decision will help “reduce stigma that can be associated with being singled out as low-income”.
The initiative is being funded from the business rates income, and is expected to be worth around £130m.
If you’re inspired to help children who are in need, Mary’s Meals is a wonderful charity operating in many countries around the world, helping children stay in school by offering free meals.
