Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, has announced plans for a £130m scheme intending to give every primary school student free school meals.
It is being estimated that the scheme could save families £440 per child a year and could positively impact 270,000 children for the next academic year.
Khan said, “The cost of living crisis means families and children across our city are in desperate need of additional support.
“I have repeatedly urged the government to provide free school meals to help already stretched families, but they have simply failed to act.
“The difference they can make to children who are at risk of going hungry – and to families who are struggling to make ends meet – is truly game-changing.”
Beginning in September, the scheme will be valid in term-time only, as Sadiq Khan hopes to impact people in a similar way to which he experienced, as he also grew up with free school meals.
Teaching unions and charities have welcomed the move, although are calling on the government to continue to action more schemes like this to help people.
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