The government has been accused of turning its back on struggling families after confirming it will not proceed with plans to provide universal free school meals to all primary school children in England.
Broken Promise on Child Nutrition
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has revealed that despite previous considerations, the government will not be extending free school meals beyond the current eligibility criteria. This decision affects millions of children from middle-income families who don't qualify for means-tested support but still face food insecurity.
The revelation came during a parliamentary exchange where Keegan stated the government had "no plans" to introduce universal provision, effectively ending hopes of a nationwide rollout that campaigners had been pushing for.
Growing Crisis in School Kitchens
The decision comes amid mounting evidence of a nutritional crisis in schools:
- Headteachers report children arriving hungry and unable to concentrate
- School budgets stretched to provide emergency food parcels
- Teachers increasingly using their own money to feed pupils
- Catering services struggling with rising food costs
One headteacher from Bristol described the situation as "heartbreaking," noting that "the line between families who qualify and those who don't is often paper-thin, but the consequences for children are enormous."
Campaigners Voice Outrage
Anti-poverty organisations have reacted with anger to the government's position. The Child Poverty Action Group called it "a devastating blow to children's health and education," while the National Education Union described the decision as "short-sighted and cruel."
Campaigners argue that universal free school meals would:
- Remove stigma for children receiving support
- Improve educational outcomes through better nutrition
- Reduce administrative burden on schools
- Support family budgets during the cost-of-living crisis
Regional Disparities Continue
The decision maintains England's position as an outlier in the UK. Both Scotland and Wales have committed to rolling out universal free school meals to all primary pupils, creating what campaigners call a "postcode lottery of childhood nutrition."
London Mayor Sadiq Khan's emergency funding for free meals in the capital has highlighted the growing divide between regions, with many rural and northern areas lacking similar support.
The government's retreat on universal free school meals represents a significant setback for child welfare campaigners and leaves England lagging behind other UK nations in addressing childhood hunger.
