UK voters “overwhelmingly support” extending free school meals to more kids

06 Sep 2023 --- Polling of UK voters found that 71% of respondents think the current income threshold is inadequate or should not exist. The research was commissioned by the School Food Review Working Group, a coalition of 36 organizations committed to improving children’s health by reforming the school food system.

The poll indicates that 82% of prospective Labour and 53% of prospective Conservative voters want to extend free school meals immediately to all children from families that receive Universal Credit – a monthly allowance to support living costs – and to all school children in the future. 

“This research has an instructive new finding. People now believe that children eating well in school to support their learning is so important that it would affect which party they vote for in the next election,” says Anna Taylor, executive director of The Food Foundation, one of the coalition members of the working group. 

“It’s a clear signal that the status quo is unfair and damaging, and voters want it fixed.”

Only children from households with an income after tax and benefits of under £7,400 a year (US$9,291) are eligible for free school meals. 

Since this figure has stayed the same since 2018 among growing inflation rates, the Child Poverty Action Group estimates that 900,000 school-age children living in poverty miss out on free school meals. 

Meanwhile, £135 million (over US$169 million) emergency funding from the Mayor of London allows up to 287,000 state-funded primary children in London access to free school meals for the recently started academic year. This helps families to save up to £440 (US$552) per child over the year. 

Political resistance 
The Liberal Democrats and Green Party support eligibility extension, while Labour and the Conservatives have not made any concrete commitments, according to the Food Foundation. The agency argues there is overwhelming evidence that an expanded program would result in improved education and health outcomes and longer-term economic prosperity. 

In London, up to 287,000 state-funded primary children have access to free school meals for a year.Moreover, the Food Foundation notes that the leaders of both main parties are coming under increasing pressure from their members of parliament, party members and constituents. 

Polling data on 3,011 members of the public across England also indicate that decisive action from the government would swing voters. 

If the Labour Party would commit to extending free school meals to children immediately and all children in primary and secondary education in the long term, 65% of prospective Labour voters would be more likely to vote for the party. 

Undecided voters would also be more likely to vote for Labour, while 18% of people who intend to vote for the Conservative party would be more likely to switch to Labour. 

The School Food Review Working Group has identified five pillars of the school food system that need reform by the government: entitlement; procurement, operations and contract management; accountability and quality assurance; uptake and funding.

Economic and health benefits 
Research commissioned by the Impact on Urban Health found that expanding free school meals to all school children could generate nearly £100 billion (just over US$125 billion) for the economy in the next 20 years. 

Every £1 (US$1.25) invested in the program would generate £1.71 (US$2.15) in core benefits through improved health, education and employment outcomes. If the policy were only expanded to children on Universal Credit, it would still return £1.38 (US$1.73) for each pound invested. 

“Impact on Urban Health evidence shows it is a cost-effective policy change that supports families and boosts children’s health and attainment throughout their lives,” says Anna Garrod, policy and influencing director of Impact on Urban Health. 

“We urge policymakers to take this opportunity to create a more equitable school food system across the country – to support all children to access healthy, nutritious food and, in doing so, build a healthier society and more resilient economy.”

Research in the US indicated that children’s healthy consumption patterns significantly increased when access to nutritious meals was easier for families. 

Campaigners highlight that national action is needed to ensure school children have access to the same benefits.Free school meals in London 
Campaigners welcome the move to provide hot, nutritious food for all primary school children in London but warn that a lack of national action is unfair and will exacerbate regional inequalities as school children in other areas do not have access to the same benefits. 

“I am heartened to hear that the London mayor has looked at all the evidence and taken into account the current situation for millions of families and decided to provide a school meal to all primary school children in London,” says Matthew Knight, catering manager at Hillstone Primary School in Birmingham, UK. 

“The West Midlands and Birmingham, in particular, have an extremely high proportion of families living in poverty. Free school meals would directly address this inequality.” 

“The evidence is there for all to see the dramatic and positive impact free school meals for all would have. It’s time our political leaders stepped up and showed the moral courage to feed our children.” 

Meanwhile, the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) launched a food roadmap to help guide teachers and students toward healthy eating and cooking.  

BNF also started research to determine whether breakfast clubs – providing children with a meal in a social setting before school – can improve learning outcomes and physical and mental health.

By Jolanda van Hal