Ben Reynolds, Deputy Chief Executive from food and farming charity Sustain commented on the findings:
“Teachers shouldn’t have to fork out to feed their pupils. That they’re doing so is desperately sad, but not surprising. Only half of children in poverty are eligible for free school meals. The Government must reconsider its position and extend free school meals to all kids from families on Universal Credit.
“Not funding free school meals for all is doubly short-sighted in light of the Government’s own commitment to reduce childhood obesity. Studies show that providing a decent, healthy school meal not only stops a child going hungry but also builds up good eating habits and cuts down on eating junk. We know that obesity is more prevalent in low income families, so it’s not just hunger we could be tackling here.
“Last year the sugary drinks tax paid for breakfast clubs and improving school kitchens - we call on the Government to give a cast iron guarantee that future tax revenue will be directed to the same projects.”
Read the GMB report
The report and Ben’s quote were covered in the Morning Star
Children's Food Campaign: Campaigning for policy changes so that all children can easily eat sustainable and healthy food.
