In January 2020, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) trialled providing free school meals to all pupils (aged 11–16-year-old) in two secondary schools comprising approximately 400 and 100 pupils.
Of the 500 pupils in both schools, more than a quarter were shown to be experiencing food insecurity in a survey carried out during the research. Results from interviews showed an overall positive impact on pupils’ behaviour, concentration, food insecurity, healthier diet choices and mental health of both students and their families.
In the UK, one in five households with children experienced food insecurity in 2022. The current cost of living crisis has exacerbated this with increasing reports of pupils whose parents are not able to pay for school meals.
Dr Judi Kidger, senior lecturer in Public Health from Bristol Medical School at the University of Bristol and one of the study’s lead authors, explains: “Currently in England, free school meals are provided to all children in the first three years of school, and to pupils of all ages whose households are in receipt of Universal Credit, provided they do not earn a net income of more than £7,400.
“However, this current means tested system does not reach all families in need, either because they do not quite meet the required threshold or they do not claim the free meals they are entitled to, possibly due to stigma.”
The research showed expanding the scheme to all pupils was considered feasible and easier to deliver than the current means tested system. School staff, students and parents were unanimous in their support for universal free school meals.
In both schools, the proportion of students eligible for free school meals who accessed a free school meal also increased. In November 2019, just before the start of the pilot, 55% of free school meals students in school one and 74% in school two took a free lunch. In November 2021, this had increased to 78% and 79% respectively.
Sally Brooks, executive principal at Fulham Cross Academy Trust, one of the participating schools, added: “Our canteen is now full of students enjoying a warm, healthy meal together which enables great social interaction. We are seeing greater focus in afternoon lessons and more students staying on for after school activities than ever before. The UFSM offer is making a genuine difference to our school community.”