The UK public is calling for the extension of free school meals due to rising food poverty.
- A YouGov poll reports 80% support for extending free school meals to Universal Credit households.
- Food insecurity has doubled over a year, affecting 21.6% of UK households with children.
- Support for policy changes is high in key political areas at risk for the Conservative Party.
- Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are already ahead in offering universal free school meals.
Faced with an increase in food poverty, the UK public is urging the government to extend free school meals to all children in households receiving Universal Credit. A YouGov poll, conducted for The Food Foundation, reveals that 80% of respondents support this measure, an increase from 72% last year.
According to recent data, food insecurity among households with children has doubled in a year, rising to 21.6% in January 2023 from 11.6% the previous year. This issue now impacts approximately 3.7 million children, highlighting a growing crisis exacerbated by the cost-of-living challenges.
Political implications are significant, as the demand for policy change is especially strong in key marginal seats, many held by senior Conservative figures. These areas face potential losses in the next election, adding pressure on the government to act.
England currently lags behind Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, where progressive steps towards providing universal free school meals are already underway. In Scotland and Wales, such plans are being rolled out in primary schools, while Northern Ireland has a higher income threshold for Universal Credit.
Anna Taylor, Executive Director of The Food Foundation, states, ‘We have been tracking these trends for some time, the levels of food insecurity among children continue to be terribly concerning, and point to big holes in the Government’s safety net.’ She stresses that the UK government’s response could align with public sentiment by extending free school meals in the upcoming budget debates.
The rising food insecurity and public support indicate a crucial need for government intervention in extending free school meals.
