Sadiq Khan Pumps £135 Million into Free School Meals for London Kids
In a bold first, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has slashed the cost-of-living crisis by pledging a whopping £135 million to provide free school meals for up to 287,000 state primary school children across the capital. Starting this academic year, every state-funded primary school pupil — from year 1 to 6 — will get free meals, ensuring no child goes hungry during school hours.
London’s First Ever Citywide Free School Meal Scheme
This groundbreaking cash injection means free school meals are now available to all kids in every year at state primaries, special schools, and pupil referral units across London. Until now, only children in years 3 to 6 from households earning less than £7,400 a year could claim the meals — leaving many families out in the cold.
Families Feeling the Pinch
The Mayor’s move comes after a YouGov poll revealed 32% of parents with children aged 5-11 are “financially struggling.” A grim 16% admitted skipping essentials or going into debt, while 31% reported buying less food. This emergency funding could save families more than £440 per child on meals over the next year — a vital lifeline in tough times.
Mayor’s Wider Fight Against London’s Cost Crisis
But Khan isn’t stopping at school meals. His £3.46 billion investment in affordable housing, £400 million for skills and jobs, and £80 million to tackle fuel poverty and food insecurity show a full-on assault against poverty in the city. Plus, £3.5 million emergency funding will serve around 10 million free meals during school holidays and weekends for low-income Londoners.
“I know from personal experience what a lifeline free school meals can be, and I’m immensely proud our unprecedented funding means hundreds of thousands of children across London’s primary schools are now benefiting,” Khan said.
“It’s shocking families are struggling to feed themselves. I will keep fighting to support Londoners and build a better city for all.”
Chefs and Charities Back Khan’s Bold Move
Prominent chefs and campaigners have hailed this scheme as a game-changer for children’s health and wellbeing. This initiative is a giant step to level the playing field — guaranteeing healthy, hot meals for all London kids, no matter their family income.
The Mayor’s move is already sparking calls for the rest of the UK to follow suit and end the school meal postcode lottery that leaves millions of children behind.
With backing from children’s charities, this fresh school year brings hope to many London families. Parents can finally breathe easy knowing their kids won’t be going hungry in school.
