Almost all parents of young children in primary school in England, approximately 89%, are in favor of extending free school meals to all primary school students, according to recent polling data. The survey also indicates that 57% believe that providing free hot lunches would positively impact their family’s financial situation. The study reveals that around 31% of parents have had to reduce the quantity and quality of their food shopping since the beginning of the school year in September.
Within this group, 64% have cut back on purchasing red meat, while 27% have decreased their purchases of cheese, eggs, or dairy products, and a similar percentage have limited their intake of fresh vegetables. The Mirror, in collaboration with the National Education Union (NEU) and YouGov, has been advocating for free school meals for all primary students.
A significant win for this campaign is the extension of free hot lunches to all children in families receiving universal credit (UC) starting in September, benefiting over half a million children. However, the NEU cautions that means-testing may still leave some children and families without this support. According to the survey, 56% of parents not on UC believe that free school meals for all would positively impact their family’s finances, while 44% think it would benefit their mental wellbeing.
Among parents not on UC, 28% are reducing the variety of their weekly food shopping, and 27% are cutting back on the quantity. Additionally, 16% of parents not receiving UC are having to reduce or halt out-of-school activities. Wales implemented free school meals for all primary school children in 2024, following London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s lead.
The government is working on implementing free breakfast clubs for all primary school children and introducing new school lunch standards that eliminate deep-fried and high-sugar foods. While progress has been made, unions and school leaders continue to push for free midday meals to aid children’s learning, wellbeing, and family finances.
Daniel Kebede, NEU’s general secretary, emphasizes the importance of supporting families amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Frank Young, CEO of ParentKind, highlights the challenges faced by families in preparing healthy packed lunches daily and stresses the benefits of extending free school meals.
The Department for Education spokesperson affirms the government’s commitment to reducing financial burdens for families through initiatives like funded childcare and free breakfast clubs. They point out that providing free school meals to all children from households claiming Universal Credit is a significant step in alleviating poverty.
Survey data was collected from 2,106 parents of primary school children in England by YouGov for the NEU between March 19 and 31.