The Government is considering a total scrapping of Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) as part of its drive to reduce central Government costs. I cannot believe this is even on the table, argues
For over a decade, UIFSM has been a lifeline for countless parents and their children. Astonishingly, it remains the only hot meal of the day for some children.
It is therefore deeply concerning, and quite frankly staggering, that the Labour Secretary of State for Education is considering scrapping this vital programme in England in favour of means-testing.
The Government seems to be focusing on breakfast clubs, but we know that many schools are already running very successful breakfast programmes. For many children, however, a hot, nutritious lunch is the key to their well-being and academic success.
As reported by The Times, this proposal is part of wider budget cuts being discussed ahead of the Spring Statement, due out on March 26th. Labour’s Rachel Reeves and Bridget Phillipson have already indicated that austerity measures will be central to their fiscal plans. While budget cuts are often necessary, eliminating a programme that serves the nutritional needs of children seems like a deeply misguided priority.
The benefits of free school meals, especially for younger children, are far-reaching. Studies have shown that access to a hot meal not only supports children’s physical health but also boosts their cognitive development and academic performance.
For many families, UIFSM is the only assurance that their child will receive a proper meal each day. Scrapping this programme would put thousands of children at risk of food insecurity, exacerbating inequalities at a time when families are already grappling with the cost-of-living crisis.
The scrapping of UIFSM would also be a disaster for parents' finances, leading to higher costs for already strained households. Additionally, it would be catastrophic for jobs in the school catering industry, where thousands of professionals rely on the continuation of this programme for their livelihoods.
Moreover, this move would further widen the gap between England and the devolved regions of London, Scotland, and Wales, which continue to fund primary school feeding in a more comprehensive and equitable way.
At HCL, we are committed to standing up for the future of our children we serve and the continued success of our school catering sector. We will continue to lobby for the best possible outcome for our schoolchildren and ensure the Government understands the significant issues this proposed change would bring.
We remain hopeful that the Government will carefully consider the potential impact of these decisions, recognising the significance of preserving a program that has been a vital support system for families and children across the country.