Feed The Future is a campaign launched by the Food Foundation calling for the Government to extend Free School Meals to more children. The decision means at least 800,000 schoolchildren living in poverty in England will continue to be denied a hot and nutritious meal at school.
The Chancellor has ignored pleas to extend Free School Meals from education leaders, health professionals, chefs, caterers and MPs. Feed the Future has also claimed the Chancellor has ignored the affected children as well constituents, with 72% of the public wanting Free School Meals to be extended to children from families on universal credit.
A Feed the Future spokesperson said: “It is short-sighted for the Chancellor to ignore a policy intervention which expert analysis has shown will boost the economy by at least £8.9 billion over the next 20 years, improving health, educational attainment and workforce productivity.
“Feed the Future is asking campaign supporters to write to their MPs immediately to urge them to demand that the Government reverses its decision and extend Free School Meals immediately.”
LACA, the school food people, has released a comment following the Autumn Budget statement that was announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.
Brad Pearce, chair of LACA, said: “Whilst LACA welcome the increase in funding for schools, it is very disappointing no extra money was provided for school meals. Caterers are facing historic food inflation, which funding has not kept up with. The cost of living crisis means that too many children are now going hungry. A hungry child cannot learn.
“Without an increase in funding, SME caterers are likely to find it difficult to continue operating. We urgently call on the Chancellor to reassess his position, and to meet with caterers to discuss the challenges they are facing.”
Laura Chan, policy officer at the Soil Association, commented: "The Chancellor today stated that the 'budget demonstrates our commitment to people and skills'. But how can progress be made when children are still going hungry in class? Food is an essential part of the day, and school days are no exception.
"The evidence demonstrating the benefits of school meals is substantial. To truly commit to people and skills, government needs to stop ignoring the research and the voice of young people and start supporting the catering sector, investing in school food and the health of the next generation."