A young student, aged ten, voiced her dissatisfaction to Keir Starmer regarding the limited scope of his free school meals initiative, emphasizing the necessity for all primary school children to qualify for this benefit. Lily, a student at Monksdown primary school in Liverpool, stressed that free school lunches are essential rather than optional, advocating for universal access to this program across England, in line with the provisions available in London, Wales, and Scotland.
The ongoing campaign by The Mirror in collaboration with the National Education Union (NEU) has long championed the cause of extending free school meals to all primary school students. While Mr. Starmer had previously announced plans to broaden the eligibility to encompass all children from families receiving Universal Credit in England, Lily, actively distributing leaflets at the conference, reiterated the necessity for all children to receive free school meals for fairness and equity, highlighting the positive impact on parental stress and children’s overall well-being.
Additionally, Kayden, a 15-year-old student at Bank View school in Liverpool, expressed his desire for free lunches akin to those available in London and Wales, emphasizing the importance of equal treatment for all students. His teacher, Jenn Loughlin, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the nutritional significance of these meals and condemning the disparities in access to free school meals across different regions and countries.
Moreover, Zack, an 11-year-old student from Holy Name school in Liverpool, emphasized the importance of universal access to free school meals to enhance academic performance and overall well-being. Ann-Marie Ferrigan, a teacher at Monksdown primary school overseeing pupil representation, criticized the limited expansion of free school meals to Universal Credit recipients, stressing that many struggling families, despite being above the eligibility threshold, still face financial challenges.
Daniel Kebede, the general secretary of NEU, organizer of the rally, reiterated the call for universal free school meals to eliminate the stigma associated with poverty and ensure equal access to this essential benefit. He also advocated for the removal of the two-child benefit limit to address the rising issue of child poverty affecting educational outcomes.
The push for universal free school meals in all primary schools continues to gain momentum, with advocates emphasizing the educational, nutritional, and social benefits of this inclusive initiative.