A recent poll revealed that the vast majority of parents with children in primary school in England, specifically 89%, are in favor of extending free school meals to all primary school students. Among those surveyed, 57% believe that providing free hot lunches would positively impact their family’s financial situation. The poll also highlighted that 31% of parents have had to reduce the quantity and quality of their food shopping since the school year began in September.
Within this group of parents, 64% have cut back on purchasing red meat, while 27% have decreased their purchases of cheese, eggs, or dairy, and a similar percentage have limited their fresh vegetable intake. Leading the charge for universal free school meals for primary students are the Mirror and the National Education Union (NEU), who partnered with YouGov for the survey.
A significant development resulting from this advocacy is the extension of free hot lunches to all children in families receiving universal credit, benefiting over 500,000 children starting in September. However, the NEU cautions that means-testing could still leave some children and families unsupported.
In contrast, the survey found that 56% of parents not on universal credit believe that free school meals for all would positively impact their family’s finances, while 44% see potential benefits for their mental well-being. Among non-universal credit parents, 28% are reducing the variety of their weekly food shopping, and 27% are cutting back on the quantity. Additionally, 16% of these parents are being compelled to reduce or halt out-of-school activities.
Wales implemented free school meals for all primary school children in 2024, following London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s lead in the previous year. The government is currently introducing free breakfast clubs for all primary school children and planning to implement new school lunch standards that exclude deep-fried foods, ice cream, waffles, and sugary drinks.
Despite these efforts, union and school leaders continue to advocate for a free midday meal to support children’s learning, well-being, and overall development, as well as to alleviate financial stress on families. Daniel Kebede, NEU’s general secretary, emphasized the importance of addressing the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and urged the government to expand free school meals to all children, ensuring no child is left behind.
ParentKind’s chief executive, Frank Young, acknowledged the challenges families face in providing healthy packed lunches daily and expressed support for extending free school meals to all primary students as a way to alleviate parental pressures.
The Department for Education affirmed its commitment to enhancing opportunities for families through initiatives such as funded childcare and free breakfast clubs. Notably, the government’s decision to offer free school meals to all children from households receiving universal credit is seen as a significant step in reducing child poverty.
Through various measures outlined in the Child Poverty Strategy, the government aims to lift a record number of children out of poverty by the end of its term. The survey conducted by YouGov polled 2,106 parents with primary school-aged children in England on behalf of the NEU between March 19 and 31.
