All state primary school children in London have been offered free school meals since September 2023 after the Mayor stepped in with ‘unprecedented’ funding to support the capital’s families.
The funding has ensured that hundreds of thousands children receive a free healthy meal at school every day. A total of 100 million meals have been provided in just over two school years, with each child being offered 435 free lunches in this time.
Khan has made clear that funding for his historic free school meals programme will remain in place while he is Mayor. He has also welcomed the Government’s move to increase the nationwide entitlement to free school meals to all pupils whose household is on universal credit from the start of the next school year.
Commenting on the milestone, Khan said: “I’m absolutely delighted that 100 million meals have now been provided to children across London’s state primary schools. I know from personal experience what a difference these meals make, so to be able to ensure that hundreds of thousands of children are receiving them across London every single day brings huge personal pride.
“These healthy meals are ensuring children don’t go hungry at school, making them ready to learn and giving them the energy to make the most of everything the school day offers, while also taking the financial pressure off their families. That’s why I’ll continue to fund this unprecedented programme for as long as I am Mayor and support our next generation, as we build a fairer and better London for everyone.”
New analysis shows that schools are benefiting from more than £11.5 million of additional funding from Government each year to support the education of disadvantaged pupils.
Chef and campaigner Jamie Oliver added: “Kids in London are properly fuelled to learn, thanks to the Mayor. Serving 100 million free school meals is an amazing achievement.
“For families feeling the squeeze, easing financial pressure is priceless but free school meals deliver even more than that. When we feed kids well, the benefits are profound – better attendance, better grades, better jobs and over 20 years that stacks up to an extra £40 billion back into the economy.”