Last Thursday (29/6), Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana handed in a letter to 10 Downing Street calling for free school meals for all primary school children. It was signed by more than 90,000 people and 200 organisations, charities, faith groups, politicians and celebrities.
In the same week, the Isle of Wight NEU handed in a similar Island petition to our local MP signed by 518 Islanders at the time of sending.
Shreeve: Research rationale is crystal clear
Commenting on the petitions, Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union, said,
“We are grateful to all those, who took the time to support this important issue. Research rationale is crystal clear. Nutritious food is the core constituent of well-being.
“Too many are in denial and are prioritising wealth over hunger. Too many still fail to grasp the impact of hunger on every aspect on the lives of young people. Between autumn 2018/19 and autumn 2022/23, the number of Isle of Wight children eligible for income-related free school meals increased from 2,452 to 4,008.”
Shreeve: Needs to be extended so every child has the chance to thrive
Mr Shreeve went on to say,
“We already offer free school meals for our youngest primary school children. For the first three years of school, every child in England gets a hot school dinner. But from year three upwards, this provision stops.
“It needs to be extended, so that every child has the chance to thrive and eat a hot dinner together with their friends together.
“Hunger is increasing dental issues. Not only the scale, but also the severity of health issues facing pupils has been worsening as food prices soar and poverty increases.”
Impact on physical and mental health
He finished by adding,
“This continues to impact not only on physical health, but also mental health and behaviour.
“The link between height, nutrition and social circumstances can already be seen in childhood. Latest research even indicates ‘height is a strong indicator of general living conditions, including illness and infection, stress, poverty and sleep quality’ too.
“Let’s help children thrive; free school meals for all primary pupils will certainly help!”
