The “Say Yes” to School Food for All campaign aims to change UK school meals policy, asking the government to provide free, nutritious meals for every child in the UK from Nursery to Sixth Form by 2030.
Kitche is saying ‘Yes’ to school food for all, we believe that every child should have access to healthy school meals, no matter where they live. We want to help create an inclusive education system that invests in the future of our planet. We can’t teach children about the health and environmental value of food if they face food insecurity day-to-day.
Who currently gets free school meals in the UK?
- In England, Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) are currently provided for 1.25 million children in England aged between 3 – 7, and an additional 1.9 million children receive benefit-related Free School Meals. The family earnings threshold for eligibility for free school meals is £7,400, which means an estimated 800,000 school children living in poverty remain excluded. Five London boroughs already provide meals for all primary school pupils, and the Mayor of London announced funding for all primary meals across London for the 2023/24 academic year. Other countries around the world are also delivering school food for all, find out where.
- In Scotland, all primary age pupils in P1-5 receive free school meals, and these are being expanded to P6-7 in forthcoming years.
- In Wales, universal primary meals are being introduced over the next three years.
- In Northern Ireland, there are no universal school meals. The family earnings threshold for eligibility for free school meals is £14,000 (after tax, before benefits).
(Above is taken from: https://www.sustainweb.org/school-food-for-all/)
Why is it important to provide school meals for all?
Addressing Food Insecurity:
Food insecurity, the lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food, remains a pervasive issue affecting many households in the UK. For numerous children, school meals represent a reliable source of sustenance and as mentioned above the low threshold for universal school meals (£7,400 household income) excludes 800,000 school children living in poverty. By saying yes to school food for all, the campaign aims to create a safety net that ensures children receive at least one nutritious meal per day, mitigating the detrimental effects of hunger and malnutrition on their physical and cognitive development.
Enhancing Educational Attainment:
Numerous studies have established a strong link between nutrition and academic performance. By providing access to healthy meals at school, the campaign recognises the significant impact that proper nutrition has on a child’s ability to learn and thrive. Adequate nourishment supports cognitive function, concentration, and memory, enabling children to engage more effectively in their studies and reach their full potential.
Promoting Healthy Eating Habits:
School food programs play a vital role in shaping children’s eating habits and instilling a foundation of healthy choices. By offering nutritious meals, the campaign encourages children to embrace a balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This early exposure to diverse and wholesome foods not only contributes to their immediate well-being but also establishes lifelong habits that can prevent chronic diseases and promote overall health. It also sets the foundations to teach children about the environmental impact of food and waste.
Reducing Health Inequalities:
Access to school food programs helps bridge the gap between socioeconomic disparities and promotes equality in children’s well-being. For disadvantaged families facing financial constraints, the provision of free or subsidised meals at school ensures that their children have access to vital nutrition, regardless of their economic circumstances. This support not only improves their physical health but also helps level the playing field, ensuring that all children have an equal opportunity to thrive academically.
Fostering Social Cohesion:
School meals bring children from diverse backgrounds together around a shared table, fostering social interaction and promoting inclusivity. Eating together promotes a sense of belonging and community, breaking down barriers and nurturing empathy and understanding among students. By prioritising school food for all, the campaign reinforces the values of equality, compassion, and communal support within educational settings.
To learn more, head over to Sustain’s page.
How can you join the campaign?
Add yourself to Sustain’s map which will get delivered to the government this year to show the support for the campaign!
You can also write to your local MP, you can use a template found here.
Keep spreading the word! Tell you friends and family, post on social media, encourage others to say ‘Yes’ to school food for all!
