Extend free school meals to all primary aged pupils
Extend free school meals to all primary aged pupils
The Issue
In recent years, there's been a transformative step towards caring for our young ones with the introduction of free school meals for children in P1 to P5. This initiative has undoubtedly been a lifeline for many families, ensuring that children receive the nourishment they need to concentrate, learn, and grow during their pivotal school years.
However, the support must not stop there. Primary school years are from P1 through P7, which makes P6 and P7 children equally deserving of the benefits afforded to their younger counterparts. At present, these young learners are left out of a program that has proved essential in combatting child hunger and promoting educational equity.
It is disheartening to consider that children aged 10 to 12, who have similar needs for growth and development, are excluded due to their age. Such disparity means that thousands of children may attend school distracted by hunger, unable to fully benefit from their education.
Extending free school meals to P6 and P7 is not just about fairness, but about investing in our future. Studies have shown that when children have access to nutritious meals, they are more attentive, show improved cognitive performance, and have lower absenteeism rates. Furthermore, alleviating the financial burden on families can have ripple effects throughout communities, enhancing the overall well-being of society.
Scotland has been a pioneer in advocating for the welfare of children, and expanding this program will further solidify our commitment to nurturing and giving every child the chance to succeed.
We urge East Dunbartonshire Council to consider the immediate and long-term benefits of providing free school meals to every primary school child. By doing so, the government can ensure no child is left behind simply due to financial constraints.
Sign this petition to call on our leaders to commit more than words to this cause. Join us in the push for a comprehensive change that supports all primary students, ensuring their well-being, academic success, and equality in education.
50
The Issue
In recent years, there's been a transformative step towards caring for our young ones with the introduction of free school meals for children in P1 to P5. This initiative has undoubtedly been a lifeline for many families, ensuring that children receive the nourishment they need to concentrate, learn, and grow during their pivotal school years.
However, the support must not stop there. Primary school years are from P1 through P7, which makes P6 and P7 children equally deserving of the benefits afforded to their younger counterparts. At present, these young learners are left out of a program that has proved essential in combatting child hunger and promoting educational equity.
It is disheartening to consider that children aged 10 to 12, who have similar needs for growth and development, are excluded due to their age. Such disparity means that thousands of children may attend school distracted by hunger, unable to fully benefit from their education.
Extending free school meals to P6 and P7 is not just about fairness, but about investing in our future. Studies have shown that when children have access to nutritious meals, they are more attentive, show improved cognitive performance, and have lower absenteeism rates. Furthermore, alleviating the financial burden on families can have ripple effects throughout communities, enhancing the overall well-being of society.
Scotland has been a pioneer in advocating for the welfare of children, and expanding this program will further solidify our commitment to nurturing and giving every child the chance to succeed.
We urge East Dunbartonshire Council to consider the immediate and long-term benefits of providing free school meals to every primary school child. By doing so, the government can ensure no child is left behind simply due to financial constraints.
Sign this petition to call on our leaders to commit more than words to this cause. Join us in the push for a comprehensive change that supports all primary students, ensuring their well-being, academic success, and equality in education.
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 17 August 2026