As reported by CYP Now, a new survey reveals over a third of teachers report students too hungry to focus, prompting calls for expanded free school meals
A study of 10,000 teachers by School Food Matters and Teacher Tapp has highlighted that schools are using their own budgets to stop children from going hungry.
According to the results, 38% of senior leaders are providing free school meals to pupils who are not eligible, rising to 51% in the poorest areas.
Schools in the North West and South West of England in particular were forced to provide free school meals from their own budgets.
More than half of the senior leaders surveyed said that demand for this support has increased since September 2023, with 24% opening food banks for struggling families.
The results come amid calls for the government to expand access to free school meals.
To be eligible for free school meals, household income must be less than £7,400 per year and the family must receive universal credit. School Food Matters reported that one million children living in poverty in England are missing out on free school meals.
Stephanie Slater, founder and chief executive of School Food Matters, said: “The news that cash-strapped schools across England are dipping into their budgets to feed hungry children is shocking. Schools cannot continue to plug gaps in provision with these drastic measures. The government must expand free school meals so that every child has the good nutrition they need to thrive.”
Some 70% of teachers surveyed believe that that free school meals for all primary and secondary pupils would be a “worthwhile investment in children’s education”.
Sadiq Khan, recently re-elected as The Mayor of London, pledged to support struggling families with free school meals for all primary school children in the capital.
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