Iceland has declared its support for the Feed the Future campaign which is calling on the government to increase eligibility of free school meals to all families in receipt of Universal Credit or equivalent benefits.
Coordinated by The Food Foundation, the campaign aims to see an additional 1.4 million children provided with free school meals.
The support from the frozen food retailer comes as the charity’s research found that food insecurity among British households with children rose to 26% in September, while 800,000 children living below the poverty line are not currently qualifying for free school meals in England.
In comparison to Scotland and Wales, where universal provision across all primary schools is being rolled out, in England after Year 2, only children from households earning less than £7,400, after benefits are eligible for free school meals.
“As the cost-of-living crisis continues to worsen, families are increasingly concerned about keeping food on the table – we see these worries first hand from our customers,” Iceland Foods managing director, Richard Walker said.
“By widening the criteria for free school meal eligibility, we can relieve the burden of stress that so many parents are experiencing and help to give children the support they need. Iceland is backing the Feed the Future campaign and I would encourage all businesses to get involved and support in any way they can.”
Food foundation executive director, Anna Taylor added: “Across England, hundreds of thousands of children are turning up to school hungry or without access to a substantial, nutritious meal at lunchtime. As the cost-of-living crisis takes hold, this situation will only get worse over the winter.
“This is an urgent situation and one that requires immediate attention from our government. It’s brilliant that Iceland has backed the Feed the Future campaign and we hope that other businesses will follow and call on Government to extend Free School Meals to all children living in households receiving Universal Credit.”
1 Comment. Leave new
Free school meals is an excellent way to ensure that tax payer’s money goes to the children and not straight to adults for alcohol and cigarettes etc, it ensures ALL children will have at least one good meal a day.