The Government’s extension of Free School Meals to more pupils is a brilliant start. But it still leaves too many children and families behind. 

Parents, educators and organisations are demanding hot, healthy dinners for every primary school pupil.

Read why the Prime Minister must finish the job – and sign the petition to share your story.

Explore 1,860+ stories about why children and families can’t wait any longer for Free School Meals for All.

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Shelley
,
Sandbach
Other
Other
I own a primary school food business and am not wanting extra money but I see first hand what children are sent in school with in their pack lunches and I would say not all but most are full of chocolate and unhealthy choices.
Maryanne
Other
Other
I believe that every child should have access to a warm healthy meal every day. The cost of living and the price of buying food keeps going up and it’s having a negative impact on families. How can they afford to give their children and healthy home cooked meal or lunch when McDonald’s do cheaper dinners?
Kathleen
Other
Other
Because no child should go hungry. Every child should be able to have a free school meal - it will help the child to not only grow, but also learn better from having a healthy free school meal that suits all kids.
Gwen
Other
Other
This is a great campaign - a life saver to those parents struggling with the cost of living. It should be echoed all over the UK.
Peta
Other
Other
As a child at school in the 1950s and ’60s it was the norm to have school meals. I came from a comfortable middle class background, my closest (and lifelong) friend came from a poor working background from a council estate. It never ever crossed my mind that there might be a barrier between us and the fact of eating together every day, together with our other friends, certainly played a part in this. It’s so important.
Marie
Other
Other
I feel that society has failed many people and in doing so this has affected our children. No one should go hungry. Our children are innocent victims. They are our future and we should help, guide and protect them. Giving them a breakfast and school dinner (preferably a lovely wholesome meal cooked from scratch) is a start.
Ronald
,
Teacher
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
I benefited from Free school meals through the 1950’s and 1960’s as a child . I could see the strategic benefits to the children and teenagers in our care as a Teacher/Headteacher in Primary and Secondary Education .
A M Walmsley
,
Birkenhead
Other
Other
No child should be hungry at school. All children should have quality, free school meals.
Shirley
Other
Other
No child should go hungry in the 6th richest country in the world; you can't learn if you're too hungry to think!
Maureen
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
As an ex teacher I’m aware of how hunger can affect both application and behaviour. No child should have the most crucial time of their young lives blighted by something so avoidable and, to the government of one of the richest countries, so very affordable. It is simply false economy to do anything other than feed our children, whatever their circumstances.
Ashley
Other
Other
I support free school meals for all because no child should go hungry.
Kathryn
Other
Other
To improve child health and reduce obesity
Robyn
,
Teacher
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
I'm a teacher, and I want my pupils to be able to concentrate.
Gary
Other
Other
If children are hungry and cannot learn properly, their chances of success are diminished and their opportunities reduced.
Margaret
Other
Other
The staff can be assured that every child has had a good meal 5 days a week, regardless of their home circumstances. Let's do it!
Christine
Other
Other
Put children first, use your power to ease poverty, tell voters they should consider it a moral duty to care about every child, educate our children as much as possible, and run a campaign to educate adults to take full responsibility for their children in divorce or separation. Let’s make our country child friendly! And discourage the pitting of one age group against another. Don’t be ashamed to stand up for a kinder society.
Guiti
Other
Other
Dear Prime Minister, Food is part of a child’s daily life and no parents or child should worry first thing in the morning preparing or finding food for lunch for the day. This life is complicated and hard for all off us, so if the Prime Minister can take care of this one little thing that matters (free school dinner) the most to all children, parents, caregivers and educators then life would feel a little more comfortable. Thank you!
Prisca
Other
Other
Every child deserves a meal.
Deborah
Other
Other
FSM for all pupils. Go and watch lunchtime in a school where the pupils are scrounging food from others as their families can’t afford to feed them.
Campbell
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
There are too many benefits to name. I work at a secondary that feeds every student every day, The Urswick school, and have seen the benefits first hand. We go further in policy than most primaries and ban outside food completely and require every student to eat from the canteen. This helps to ensure correct nutrition and guard against allergies, stops a sugar rush after break and gives the school useful data around students eating in order to offer better support to students. The return on investment for all of these benefits and more will easily pay for the meals we give now and a forward facing government that wants to invest in our future has no better option.
Sheila
Other
Other
Because there is poverty in many areas of the U.K - Not just London. Children should not be labelled and stigmatised by receiving free meals. It should be their right. All should receive them.
Barry
Other
Other
Just do it!
Barry
Other
Other
Hot school lunches with meat, vegetables and puddings with custard were the wonderful early memory of my late wife who came to this country at age 9. My grandmother was school cook at my primary school so I am biased.
Sarah
,
Abram Ward
Other
Other
Families have enough to try to make ends meet at home with the extortionate expectations of school uniform, cost of trips so the children don't miss out. And cost of living at home. It's just too much, and no child should ever worry about the financial impacts eating or learning has on them just being.
Rupert
Other
Other
No child should go hungry in this country. Childen need food to focus. Only with a good education will children be able to lift themselves out of poverty.
Marina
Other
Other
Not only would it take financial burden off families, it would also help children in achieving a healthy and balanced diet to stay focused in their learning
Rio
,
Parent
,
Wheathampstead
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Although I am not in any benefits, having free school meals past year one would really take the pressure off financially. I will not be able to afford the amount of the school dinners once my eldest moves into year 3 in September. We do not meet the threshold to get free school meals but we also don't earn a lot of money like others.
Mackenzie
,
Brooklands Ward
Other
Other
The pressure of families not being able to go to work or worrying about their hungry children should be a pressure that doesn't exist.
Lynn
,
Hadston
Other
Other
I have seen how a child with a full belly can improve their learning at school.
Betty
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
I taught for 40 years in schools in deprived areas. Eating good food together improves behaviour throughout the day.
Rebbecca
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Every child should be entitled to a free school meal.
Natasha
,
Hemel Hempstead
Other
Other
Some children will not get a hot meal without this.
Laurence
,
Parent
,
Telford
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
I'm a working single father struggling to pay bills.
Katie
,
Skipton
Other
Other
Many parents are working hard to provide for their families and this would ease the pressure a little.
Belinda
,
Adwick le Street
Other
Other
A hot school meal was my main meal when I was younger and no child in this day should go hungry. Families are struggling to put meals on the table and the government should be helping them by providing a lunch free to all school children irrespective of age especially in the younger years.
Elza-Brigitta
Other
Other
To make sure all children have a warm meal.
Tania
,
Parent
,
Altrincham Ward
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
I am a single mum working full time at a reasonable salary, but still struggle to make ends meet because of the increased cost of living.
Amy
,
Teacher
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Look at the example of other countries where a free school meal is a standard part of school life. The benefits are numerous and it makes economic sense in the long term.
Anne
Other
Other
Children need to be fed properly to learn to their capacity
Angela
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
If the Prime Minister can scrap the 2 child cap on family allowance, he can allow all children to benefit from a free school meal, to ensure they have a warm meal at school and that hard working parents who are struggling with the cost of living crisis, don’t feel ashamed because they can’t afford the rising cost of school dinners.
Gerald
Other
Other
As a 77 year old retiree who has benefitted from decades of support from schools where there were daily lunchtime meals and morning milk, a healthcare service NHS that in early years provided free orange juice, cod liver oil and spoon of malt weekly, all giving a basis for a healthy life and career opportunities that provided a comfortable life - I believe that the society that my parents generation provided for us has been eroded and needs to be restored.
Bridget
,
Support staff
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Every parent understands this instinctively — food is the foundation for learning, health, and wellbeing. But right now, too many children across our communities are starting their school day hungry. This isn’t because of lack of care, but because families are facing rising costs and impossible choices. Hunger should never stand between a child and their education. That’s why I am calling for free school meals for all children. A universal approach removes stigma, guarantees that no child slips through the cracks, and ensures every pupil has the nourishment they need to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Investing in children’s nutrition is investing in their future — and in the future of our society.
Brigid
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
It’s essential to ensure children can concentrate and focus on learning activities , hungry kids struggle to do this
Brigid
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Free school meals for all can change millions of children’s lives and futures for the better. So do it !
Eldridge
,
Councillor
Other
Other
I was born in Zimbabwe. Although poor, we, my brother and sister, never ever went hungry. In this day and age no child should ever go hungry! No child!
Eleanor
Other
Other
Until child poverty is eradicated I believe free school meals are necessary to ensure each child has the ability to concentrate in school and make the most of their education. Also this would in the long term improve children's health, thus also helping the NHS.
Andrew
Other
Other
Where families have children in different schools, they all dont have the same school meal options, so not all the children within the family are eating as well outside of the home and the families are not able too make up the difference.
Louise
Other
Other
Rolling out free school meals to all primary school children would make a huge difference in reducing child poverty meaning no child would go hungry.
Zi Qiong
Other
Other
Free school meals for all!
Holly
Other
Other
Healthy warm nutritious food for every child!
Bernard
Other
Other
Do the right thing!
Robin
Other
Other
He needs to realise that children are the future and a good, early, education gives them the start to become doctors, scientists entrepreneurs, etc who will make a better life for everyone.
Olufemi
Other
Other
The Prime Minister should please give priority to this suggestion, because it will aid the children's learning.
Robin
,
Parent
Other
Other
I am 79 years old and, when I was at school, many families were struggling after the war. I was fortunate, my father came home but I still remember other children who came to school without having breakfast and some with no dinner either. Many of these children fell behind their classmates.
Angela
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Because average working class parents struggle to pay for a warm meal for their children. It’s hard that such children have to miss out.
Dee
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Because all children around the world deserve a warm and healthy meal while they are learning at school. Imagine trying to learn your lessons while your tummy is rumbling - it stops the child being able to concentrate. It's wrong and in todays society no child should be hungry at all.
Eldridge
,
Councillor
Other
Other
I believe the children are our future, treat them well, and let them lead the way, show them all the beauty that exists inside of them, and let the children's laughter, remind us, how it used to be!
Kerry
,
Teaching assistant
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
It takes the pressure off families knowing that their child has actually eaten a good meal in the day, especially if their families are struggling at home to feed them a nutritional meal.
Olufemi
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
I see it as a positive contribution to the education of our children, and this will go a long way in supporting, and aiding their learning concentrations.
Jeremy
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
We all know that healthy eating is vital, especially so for growing children. Free school meals guarantee that all children have a chance to grow, and to learn.
carol
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
I am a practising Registered Nurse of over 40 years. During my 20 years working in the NHS I have first-hand experience treating/caring for children who have suffered child poverty, malnourished, suffered various physical conditions and mental health issues.Hence this is very close to my heart.
Jeremy
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
I believe that free school meals should be rolled out for all children, primary and secondary, across the UK. It is only right that all children are given a healthy start.
Abigail
,
Teacher
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
I grew up within a low income family however we did not qualify for any benefits, including free school meals. As a child I was desperate to receive free school meals as I was constantly hungry.
Guiti
,
Support staff
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Because every child matters and NO child should go hungry, no matter the circumstances they are in.
Holly
,
Teacher
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Give all children an equal footing and fund healthy food for everyone
Jemma
,
Teacher
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
There is no difference between a hungry child in years R, 1 and 2 and those in years 3, 4 and 5!
Ivaylo
,
Support staff
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Every child deserves a free hot and healthy school meal as many children don't get a hot meal at all at home.
Louise
,
Teacher
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
I have been a teaching assistant since 2008 and since then I have gone from being able to afford to live to being close to having to go to food banks. At no point have we qualified for free school meals which has meant that giving our own children a decent packed lunch has been difficult at times. It has been considerably worse in the last decade. I have witnessed first hand children coming into school with nothing to eat. This is a stain on our country!
Judy
,
Teacher
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Please provide free school meals for every child - this will encourage social cohesion, improve diet and eating habits (and thus the health of children and adults), and improve educational achievement, especially for children in low-income families. These are morally important aims - and also economically sensible.
Peta
,
Teacher, Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
A happy, healthy nation needs every citizen to be properly nourished. Free school meals are the cheapest and most efficient way to achieve this.
Salma
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Please don’t leave any child out from having a hot meal for lunch at school just because it might be difficult for the parents to afford this. It’s hard for the parents but very important for the child.
Salma
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
This has been extremely important for my son to receive a hot meal for lunch, to sit with his friends and eat lunch.
lisa
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
I am a single struggling mum, my child gets a free school meal at the moment but next year that all changes and I am so worried about this. I am struggling beyond belief but knowing my child gets one free hot meal a day is an absolute weight off. I am begging the government to please provide the free school meals for all school children and lift this pressure for so many struggling families. Please help.
Angela
,
Parent
,
Oldbury Ward
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Because it ensures that every child has at least one reliable, nutritious meal each day, helping them concentrate and learn better at school. It also reduces the financial pressure on low‑income families, especially during times of rising living costs. Making meals available to all eligible children removes stigma, protects dignity, and creates fairness, while also acting as a simple, effective investment in children’s health, wellbeing, and future opportunities.
Vineetha
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
So that everyone eats the same, no child is left out and also it is also supports families during the high cost living crisis and reduces weekly food meals cost. Ensures children are properly fed even when budgets are high.
Seema
,
Teacher
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Every child matters, the meal served in the school may be the only meal which the child have had during the entire day!
Tracey
,
Teaching assistant, Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
I have many years experience working in schools and I’m also a single parent. No child should go hungry and no parent should struggle!
Amber
,
Parent
,
Bristol
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Support families to feed and nurture their children.
Vineetha
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Please make sure no child is left behind
Tracey
,
Teaching assistant, Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
No child should go hungry!
Anne Marie
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
I grew up in poverty myself but was supported by a robust welfare state (1970’s). I achieved a masters degree and want every child to have that same opportunity.
Clare
,
Support staff
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
A lot of children don't have a breakfast, cost of living is high. Children need a warm belly, ready to learn.
Kevin
,
Parent
,
Sunderland
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
I was brought up in a poor household, without school meals I don't think me or my siblings would have been able to manage at school.
Darrell
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
No child should be left behind.
Debbie
,
Support staff, Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Children in this day and age should not go hungry. If a child is hungry they are not going to be able to focus on their learning properly and will have limited options for their future.
Michelle
,
Teaching Assistant
,
Teignmouth
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
All of the above reasons apply, but in particular to end hunger. Some children I know come to school not having had any breakfast so a good meal at lunchtime is something at least as well as this there should be a free snack available in the morning (which I believe is currently the case generally) Some children may not even have much of a dinner at home if one at all.
Nazish
,
Support staff
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Working in a school in area of low income families, I see this day in and day out: children not having enough nutritional food, either because their parents can't afford to put things in their packed lunches, or school meals are too expensive. Every penny counts to these families.
Elaine
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
To make sure that children eat well at this hard times
Emma
,
Teacher
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
We need to look after our young people and eating a healthy diet is vital for everyone.
Georgia
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Take pressure off working families.
Graham
,
Teacher
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Children cannot learn when hungry. It's a terrible distraction, leading to poor concentration and poor behaviour. A simple thing like starting the day without hunger can improve a child's life chances significantly.
Helen French
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Poverty shouldn’t exist in UK and the inequality it brings in all aspects of family life is just wrong. All Children need to be valued and loved equally and supported to develop to their potential wherever they come from and whatever their background or circumstance. This is a small step in making things better and happier for every child and thus ultimately for the whole country.
Influence
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Many families on low income are struggling to feed their children with a balanced diet everyday as they go to school. This is having a huge negative impact on both parents and their children psychologically. This goes a long way to affect the children's total well-being and level of concentration while at school.
Jacqueline
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Healthy meals for children improves performance in school. Japan and other countries have got it right. Why not us? Good balanced meals are essential for growing children.
Meller
,
Parent
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
No child should go hungry. Having a good meal will help children to thrive and make the most of their education.
jemima
,
Teacher/Lecturer
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
It’s a disgrace that children in Britain still go to school hungry. They can’t help the family they were born into, the income of their parents, how many siblings they have etc. Children should be well fed. It’s the most fundamental right. What possible argument could you give against it?
lisa
,
Support staff
,
Flixton Ward
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
I've worked in school meals for 22 years, free school meals are important for families on a low income because at least we know they've had at least one hot meal, but also if parents get home late from work, again, a child has had a hot meal in the day.
Henriette Marie
,
Parent
,
Shrewsbury
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
I had free school diners at school . Never bullied but since have heard some have. Hungry and bullied . No child should have to face this
Jennifer
,
Leeds
Teachers/Parents
Teachers/Parents
Every child in England in fact all over the world should not be left out from having a FREE SCHOOL MEAL. This is very important. The government need to realize this
Children's Food Campaign, Sustain
Organisations
Organisations
Universal, healthy school meals are the most impactful and cost-effective approach for every £1 invested they could deliver £1.71 in longer term social and economic value. School meals for all would end the stigma of means testing, improving school-family relationships and reducing need for 'debt collection' as well as ridiculous admin working out who is eligible and not eligible in order to secure funding. We should go further and make sure local producers and British farmers connect with school children and access this market too - delivering sustainable, healthy food systems. Come on Andy B - let's really back our schools, support children and families, and make school food a system that works for all - from farmers' field to pupil plate.

SIGN THE PETITION

Extending Free School Meals to every primary school child would support all pupils to learn and thrive, and ease the pressure for every family.

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How far we’ve come

The National Education Union, alongside 370+ civil society organisations and public figures, is fighting to ensure every child has the basics to learn, thrive and go on to a bright future.

‍When parents, teachers and communities come together, we're unstoppable. Our movement has already secured hot, healthy school dinners for every primary child in London – and won Free School Meals for half a million more children on Universal Credit.

‍See who backs this campaign – and how we can win Free School Meals for All.