Bristolians have shared their thoughts on a new campaign launched yesterday (Thursday, September 22) calling for all school age children to receive a free school meal - and the message has been quite mixed. Many people share the view that someone, somewhere will have to front the cost for all of these school meals, asking whether this will mean a raise in taxes or other costs paid for by the average worker.
Others have wondered if there should be a cut off point, adding that those in worse off situations should receive the free meals, while those with high-earning parents shouldn't. And some believe that the campaign should be focusing on funding elsewhere in education - specifically on learning tools and the like.
There were, however, many people who believed that this campaign was much needed and long overdue. Taking to Bristol Live's Facebook page, our readers shared their thoughts, with one writing: "Fab. Good nutrition will support children's learning and knowing their child will be getting a good meal in school hours will absolutely take some pressure off parents."
Read more: Ofsted returning to Bristol next month to check progress on improving special needs education
The comment went on to say: "I think if children are required to attend school then they should be fed there." Another said: "Good.. regardless every child should get one..! Then everyone knows every child is getting at least one good meal a day".
A third wrote: "I think this needed to be done, because many parents are borderline financially when they just about earn enough not to be on benefits but not enough to live well."
While a fourth went so far as to compare school dinners to those of prisoners, asking if they get free meals, "why shouldn't kids get at least one meal a day?"
And while there seemed to be a large consensus of positivity around the campaign, there were some who believed it wasn't quite ready for launch just yet, if it hadn't answered some specific questions. One commenter said: "I think it's a good idea, no child should go hungry.
"But at the same time I think is it going to be possible? There should be a cut off as to how much a family earn." A second added: "OK great but when the amount of money the child gets only equals the price of a sausage roll, that's not really very helpful is it."
When it came to those against the campaign, reasons varied from using the money for other means, using benefits to help instead and wondering who would end up paying for all of the free meals. One reader asked: "Why? For those that can afford it, I would prefer money to go into helping with their education - local education authorities struggle enough, I thought."
Another said: "And then there will be free breakfasts as well, plus free meals during the holidays. Sorry, but if you have children its your job to feed them, clothe them and house them.
"And if you are a single parent on benefits then I guess that's what the benefits are there for."
One person simply said: "Nothing is free, there is a cost to someone somewhere," as others asked where the money to pay for the free meals would be coming from.
What are your thoughts on this? Share them in the comments below.
Read next:
- Blaise High School offers a private school education for all
- March of the Mummies comes to Bristol to demand fair deal for working parents
- Bristol community café says more people can’t afford to pay for meals
- Bristol council faces calls for inquiry into monitoring of SEND parents' social media
- Leaping Lambs shuts five nurseries in the Bristol area amid Ofsted investigation
