A significant majority of the UK public advocates for the extension of free school meals to families on Universal Credit.
- A YouGov poll indicates that 80% of respondents support expanding free school meals, up from 72% last year.
- The rate of food insecurity in households with children has almost doubled in one year, affecting 3.7 million children.
- Regions like Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland offer more comprehensive meal support than England.
- Public favor for meal expansion is strong in key political constituencies, pressuring the government to act.
The discussion surrounding the extension of free school meals in the UK has intensified, as a YouGov poll reveals overwhelming public support. The poll, conducted by The Food Foundation for their Feed The Future campaign, demonstrates that 80% of the surveyed public believe more children should receive free school meals, particularly those from families on Universal Credit.
The rise in food poverty has been stark, with the percentage of households reporting food insecurity among children increasing from 11.6% in January 2022 to 21.6% in January 2023. This alarming trend signifies that about 3.7 million children are now affected by food poverty, illustrating the urgent need for governmental intervention to ensure children have access to healthy meals.
The push for extending free school meals is not only supported by the general public but also aligns with measures already being implemented in other parts of the UK. Scotland and Wales are introducing universal free school meals for primary school children, while Northern Ireland has set a higher income threshold for receiving Universal Credit compared to England.
Politically significant constituencies, especially those held by key government figures, are experiencing heightened support for the policy. This public sentiment could play a crucial role in influencing policy changes as the next election approaches.
Anna Taylor, Executive Director of The Food Foundation, emphasizes the dire need to address food insecurity, pointing out gaps in the government’s current safety net. She argues that extending free school meals would be a beneficial policy change—popular, timely, and effective in supporting families through the cost-of-living crisis.
Expanding free school meals emerges as a critical and popular solution amid growing food poverty in the UK.
