No child should come to school too hungry to learn.
No one can accuse this of being a “radical” statement but, in 2022, childhood hunger is the shocking reality in millions of families.
We are facing the worst cost of living crisis in a generation and wages are not keeping pace with rising bills. Neither are benefits.
This is hitting the most vulnerable the hardest.
Latest statistics show 3.9 million children – eight in every class of 30 – are growing up in poverty.
Some 2.6 million children live in households that have gone short of food in the last month.
Regular, nutritious food is the backbone of a secure childhood, yet too many children are going without.
The eligibility threshold for Free School Meals is appallingly low – families need to be on less than £7,400 a year.
Many families don’t meet the criteria and there is no safety net to help them.
That’s why the National Education Union is proud to work with the Mirror on a joint campaign – Free School Meals for All.
We demand no child in primary school need face the pain and distress of going hungry.
It’s time the Government takes responsibility for the decade of austerity that led to so much need in schools up and down the UK.
Feeding every child, in every primary school in England, will mean children get a good meal every day.
It’s not only the right thing to do – it will be the only lifeline for millions facing a very bleak winter.
Come on Liz Truss, as the new PM, providing Free School Meals for All will show the nation you understand what they are going through.
Together, we need to make sure no child is left behind.
* Kevin Courtney is joint general secretary of the National Education Union.
