Free school meals criteria ‘always under review’, minister says
2 years, 1 month ago

Free school meals criteria ‘always under review’, minister says

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The criteria for who qualifies for free school meals is “always under review”, the education minister has said. “So it’s actually the largest cohort of children who now receive free school meals – about 1.9 million, more than a third of children.” When it was put to the minister that this means there are more people falling into poverty, she noted that children stay on free school meals for a number of years even if their circumstances change. Contact [email protected] Gillian Keegan says ‘a lot of children’ now receive free school meals Asked if the low threshold for eligibility will be changed, Ms Keegan said: “These things are always kept under review.” She added: “The reality is you have to wait for the autumn budget for any answers on funding. So I think that’s a lot of children.” Ms Keegan and Jeremy Hunt, the chancellor, were urged to urgently expand the free school meals scheme in a letter from healthcare leaders and charity bosses sent last week to “improve children’s nutrition and protect their health”.

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History of this topic

Labour promises school breakfast clubs will save parents £400 a year
6 months, 4 weeks ago

Labour promises school breakfast clubs will save parents £400 a year

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Labour has said its commitment to delivering free breakfast clubs …

Breakfast and lunch programs in schools are helping families battling the cost of living
7 months, 1 week ago

Breakfast and lunch programs in schools are helping families battling the cost of living

ABC  

In a warehouse next to Adelaide Airport, four retired men are scurrying like ants. "It sort of introduces you to another world," said former Adelaide Crows football manager and volunteer John Reid. "When I come into the breakfast club all my worries go away because I've got people to talk to," she said. "Everyone right now is struggling with inflation, …

Minnesota program to provide free school meals for all kids is costing the state more than expected
1 year ago

Minnesota program to provide free school meals for all kids is costing the state more than expected

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota’s program to provide free school breakfasts and lunches to all students regardless of income is costing the state more than expected because of a jump in demand. Tim Walz signed the legislation last spring, advocates said the free meals would ease stresses on parents and help reduce childhood poverty while lifting the stigma on kids …

More students gain eligibility for free school meals under expanded US program
1 year, 3 months ago

More students gain eligibility for free school meals under expanded US program

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Millions of additional students in schools serving low-income communities will be eligible to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost under a rule change announced Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. At schools where 25% of families participate in income-based public benefits, such as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, the federal government now will cover the cost …

One in four teachers hands out food to children due to welfare concerns – survey
1 year, 4 months ago

One in four teachers hands out food to children due to welfare concerns – survey

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. FareShare, a charity which tackles hunger and food waste, is calling on the Government …

Schoolkids in 8 states can now eat free school meals, advocates urge Congress for nationwide policy
1 year, 4 months ago

Schoolkids in 8 states can now eat free school meals, advocates urge Congress for nationwide policy

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minn. — When classes resume after Labor Day, Amber Lightfeather won’t have to worry about where her children’s next meals will be coming from. Minnesota, New Mexico, Colorado, Vermont, Michigan, and Massachusetts will make school breakfasts and lunches permanently free to all students starting this academic year, regardless of family income, following in the footsteps of California and …

Hungry children stealing food as tens of thousands living in extreme poverty
1 year, 4 months ago

Hungry children stealing food as tens of thousands living in extreme poverty

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. One boy was unable to attend a job interview because he could not afford …

Massachusetts joins a small but growing number of states adopting universal free school meals
1 year, 4 months ago

Massachusetts joins a small but growing number of states adopting universal free school meals

Associated Press  

BOSTON — Massachusetts has joined a small but growing number of states adopting universal free school meals programs. About $172 million in permanent funding is also included in the budget to provide universal school meals for public school students in kindergarten through high school. Healey called the school lunch program “an investment in childhood nutrition that’s also removing a source …

There's no such thing as a free lunch. Vermont schools say there should be for kids
1 year, 9 months ago

There's no such thing as a free lunch. Vermont schools say there should be for kids

NPR  

There's no such thing as a free lunch. toggle caption Ximena Bustillo/NPR "Schools are struggling to get kids certified for free or reduced-price school meals," FitzSimons said. Sponsor Message For the upcoming 2023-2024 school year, a family of four cannot make more than $55,500 a year for reduced-price meals or $39,000 for free meals, according to the federal standards. A …

“Poverty is a policy choice”: Minnesota kids cheer new law guaranteeing free school lunch for all
1 year, 9 months ago

“Poverty is a policy choice”: Minnesota kids cheer new law guaranteeing free school lunch for all

Salon  

This article originally appeared at Common Dreams. But 1 in 4 food-insecure kids live in households that don't qualify for the federal free and reduced meal program, leading to "mounting school lunch debts in the tens of thousands of dollars," Minnesota Public Radioreported. "As a former teacher, I know that providing free breakfast and lunch for our students is one …

Massachusetts governor seeks to extend free school meals
1 year, 9 months ago

Massachusetts governor seeks to extend free school meals

Associated Press  

BOSTON — A pilot program in Massachusetts offering universal school meals would be extended through the end of the 2023-2024 school year as part of a supplemental budget proposal filed Friday by Gov. The move comes as states have grappled with the end of a pandemic-era federal aid program that made school meals available for free to all public school …

Minnesota Senate backs free school meals for all students
1 year, 9 months ago

Minnesota Senate backs free school meals for all students

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Lunches and breakfasts would be free to Minnesota students regardless of income under a bill that won approval in the state Senate on Tuesday. “Being hungry makes learning almost impossible,” said Democratic Sen. Heather Gustafson, of Vadnais Heights, the lead author, who is also a teacher. “This is a bill that will ensure every student, K …

School meals ‘should be free for all pupils just like desks and chairs’
1 year, 10 months ago

School meals ‘should be free for all pupils just like desks and chairs’

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy All children …

Food Poverty Haunts UK: How 4 million children are going hungry
1 year, 10 months ago

Food Poverty Haunts UK: How 4 million children are going hungry

Firstpost  

A report by The Food Foundation think tank has revealed that nearly four million children in the UK experienced food poverty in January this year. This comes as the demand for expanding free school meals to pupils is rising in the country amid a cost-of-living crisis Nearly 4 million children in the United Kingdom experience food poverty, new data has …

Free school meals for all primary school pupils in London, Sadiq Khan to announce
1 year, 10 months ago

Free school meals for all primary school pupils in London, Sadiq Khan to announce

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The mayor of …

UK cost-of-living woes stir push for more free school meals
2 years, 1 month ago

UK cost-of-living woes stir push for more free school meals

Associated Press  

BIRMINGHAM, England — As the school bell rings, dozens of children begin filing into the canteen at Hillstone Primary School. During the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Food Foundation and soccer star Marcus Rashford persuaded Britain’s government to provide free meals to children in poverty over the school holidays. The Department of Education said the government understands …

No coats, no food – schoolchildren have time-travelled to Victorian Britain
2 years, 1 month ago

No coats, no food – schoolchildren have time-travelled to Victorian Britain

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Some 52 per cent of heads …

Children unable to afford lunch in more than half of state schools, survey says
2 years, 1 month ago

Children unable to afford lunch in more than half of state schools, survey says

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. It’s a scandal that in …

‘Generosity and dedication’: Low-earning school staff buying food for hungry pupils
2 years, 1 month ago

‘Generosity and dedication’: Low-earning school staff buying food for hungry pupils

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Its findings come as The Independent’s …

Two-thirds of MPs would back free school meals extension, poll finds
2 years, 1 month ago

Two-thirds of MPs would back free school meals extension, poll finds

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Rishi Sunak has come under increasing pressure to extend free school …

Henry Dimbleby: We have children breaking down and crying because of hunger
2 years, 2 months ago

Henry Dimbleby: We have children breaking down and crying because of hunger

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. It’s hard to perform academically or …

Families on free school meals face ‘patchwork’ support over October half-term
2 years, 2 months ago

Families on free school meals face ‘patchwork’ support over October half-term

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Struggling families …

Experts warn of major impact on children’s health without proper nutrition at school
2 years, 2 months ago

Experts warn of major impact on children’s health without proper nutrition at school

The Independent  

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Number of children arriving at school hungry on the rise, teachers warn
2 years, 2 months ago

Number of children arriving at school hungry on the rise, teachers warn

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The number of children arriving at school hungry has risen …

Health chief calls for free school meals for all to end ‘disturbing’ food poverty
2 years, 2 months ago

Health chief calls for free school meals for all to end ‘disturbing’ food poverty

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The government must offer all children free school meals to address …

I’ve cooked lunch for hungry school kids – their stories are heartbreaking
2 years, 2 months ago

I’ve cooked lunch for hungry school kids – their stories are heartbreaking

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Ahead of the autumn spending review, …

It shouldn’t be left to chefs like me to feed hungry children
2 years, 2 months ago

It shouldn’t be left to chefs like me to feed hungry children

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy During the …

‘It’s too expensive to eat lunch and feed my children’: The rise of the school food bank
2 years, 2 months ago

‘It’s too expensive to eat lunch and feed my children’: The rise of the school food bank

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The food bank helps me get by.” Behind her stands Maryam, 38, also a …

Children face a hunger crisis – the government needs to act by providing more free school meals
2 years, 2 months ago

Children face a hunger crisis – the government needs to act by providing more free school meals

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The government should immediately prioritise the introduction of free school meals for the 800,000 …

The Independent is calling for free school meals for all children in poverty
2 years, 2 months ago

The Independent is calling for free school meals for all children in poverty

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. So it is with great pride …

Jamie Oliver says ‘children coming to school with empty lunchboxes’ in call free meals plea
2 years, 2 months ago

Jamie Oliver says ‘children coming to school with empty lunchboxes’ in call free meals plea

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Jamie Oliver …

Jamie Oliver denies being part of the ‘anti-growth coalition’
2 years, 2 months ago

Jamie Oliver denies being part of the ‘anti-growth coalition’

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Jamie Oliver has denied being part of the “anti-growth coalition” …

Next stress for many parents: First school lunch bills since 2020
2 years, 3 months ago

Next stress for many parents: First school lunch bills since 2020

CNN  

CNN — Though East Hampton is a solidly middle-class town in Connecticut, dozens of families are applying for free school meals for the first time as they contend with high food costs and tight budgets. They are also trying to make sure that those who do qualify for free or reduced-price meals submit applications, which parents haven’t had to do …

Dinner lady forced to deny children school food because ‘there’s no money’
2 years, 4 months ago

Dinner lady forced to deny children school food because ‘there’s no money’

The Independent  

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As students go back to school, many face a lunch bill for the first time in 2 years
2 years, 4 months ago

As students go back to school, many face a lunch bill for the first time in 2 years

NPR  

As students go back to school, many face a lunch bill for the first time in 2 years Enlarge this image toggle caption Lisa Rathke/AP Lisa Rathke/AP BOISE, Idaho — Lunchtime on the first day of school at Mountain View Elementary earlier this month brought the familiar bustle of students scurrying to find their assigned table in the cafeteria while …

Free for all California public school students: At least two meals a day
2 years, 4 months ago

Free for all California public school students: At least two meals a day

LA Times  

Students walk into their first day of school at Sunkist Elementary School in Anaheim on Aug. 11. Students at public schools across California can continue to receive at least two free meals a day at school this academic year, thanks to a state initiative launched during the pandemic. Under California’s Universal Meals Program, all public school students in grades transitional …

Children who claim free school meals earn less as adults despite education – ONS
2 years, 5 months ago

Children who claim free school meals earn less as adults despite education – ONS

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Families ‘face grim choices’ as summer holidays mean weeks without free school meals
2 years, 5 months ago

Families ‘face grim choices’ as summer holidays mean weeks without free school meals

The Independent  

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Minister recognises schools are ‘not immune’ from rising food costs
2 years, 6 months ago

Minister recognises schools are ‘not immune’ from rising food costs

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Mr Quince said the Government …

Families brace for changes to pandemic-era free school meals
2 years, 6 months ago

Families brace for changes to pandemic-era free school meals

Associated Press  

ESSEX, Vt. — Before the pandemic, there was no room in the budget for Kate Murphy’s children to buy lunch at school. So the free school meals that were made available to students nationwide amid the crisis have brought welcome relief, especially since her husband lost his job last year at a bakery company that closed. The pandemic-era federal aid …

Biden signs the school meal waivers bill into law, but free meals are over for many
2 years, 6 months ago

Biden signs the school meal waivers bill into law, but free meals are over for many

NPR  

Biden signs the school meal waivers bill into law, but free meals are over for many Enlarge this image toggle caption Damian Dovarganes/AP Damian Dovarganes/AP President Joe Biden signed the Keep Kids Fed Act on Saturday morning, extending partial school meal flexibilities through the next school year five days before they were set to expire. The House on Friday morning …

Mother’s anger as daughter’s school starts charging £2 for free breakfast club
2 years, 6 months ago

Mother’s anger as daughter’s school starts charging £2 for free breakfast club

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An outraged mother has threatened to change her child’s school …

Sadiq Khan backs universal free school meals for primary school pupils
2 years, 6 months ago

Sadiq Khan backs universal free school meals for primary school pupils

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Sadiq Khan has …

‘Four chips on a plate’: Boost school meal funding, ministers told, as children ‘getting smaller portions’
2 years, 6 months ago

‘Four chips on a plate’: Boost school meal funding, ministers told, as children ‘getting smaller portions’

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. I’m looking at cheaper alternatives.” A headteacher from North Yorkshire, Matt Davies, said that schools …

Marcus Rashford slams school for saying pupils in debt won’t be fed at lunch
3 years, 1 month ago

Marcus Rashford slams school for saying pupils in debt won’t be fed at lunch

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In a letter to parents from Neil Foden, the strategic head of Ysgol Dyffryn …

Free school meals for all children can improve kids’ health
3 years, 5 months ago

Free school meals for all children can improve kids’ health

Salon  

Recognizing that millions of U.S. children are at risk of hunger, Maine and California have approved funding to offer free school meals to all students within their state. The Universal School Meals Program Act would provide free healthy meals and snacks to all children in public and nonprofit private schools regardless of income. When children return to schools in the …

California launches largest free school lunch program in U.S.
3 years, 5 months ago

California launches largest free school lunch program in U.S.

LA Times  

When classrooms in California reopen for the fall term, all 6.2 million public school students will have the option to eat school meals for free, regardless of their family’s income. It’s beyond life-changing,” said Erin Primer, director of food services for the San Luis Coastal Unified School District on California’s Central Coast. The Los Angeles Unified School District, the state’s …

Maine to make school meals free for all students
3 years, 5 months ago

Maine to make school meals free for all students

Associated Press  

PORTLAND, Maine — Maine has announced plans to continue offering free meals to students for the 2022-23 school year and beyond. “It really makes sure every child who needs that meal and who depends on school meals gets those meals.” According to the Maine Department of Education, 38% of students, or 65,000 students, qualify for free or reduced meals. Child …

Free school meals: Gavin Williamson ‘absolutely disgusted’ by poor standard of food parcels
3 years, 11 months ago

Free school meals: Gavin Williamson ‘absolutely disgusted’ by poor standard of food parcels

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Education secretary Gavin Williamson has said he was “absolutely disgusted” by …

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