Hello,

Thank you for all of the support you’ve given our campaign to extend free school meals to the 800,000 children who desperately need them. I wish I was writing with better news, but our new report “More than a Meal” shows that the situation is heartbreaking for many of these young people. Please share it now with your friends and ask them to join our fight.

In our report, we interviewed young people, a head teacher and parents, about their experiences of free school meals and the cost of living crisis. The shocking findings reveal how urgent this matter is, and the direct impact it has on young people’s lives. A 17-year-old interviewed for the report stated ‘By the end of the day you could visibly see who hadn’t eaten. They sat at the back of the classroom so they wouldn’t get shouted out for lying their head on the table.’

We heard stories of young people turning to local fast food outlets for cheaper but less healthy alternatives to school food, putting their heads on the table from hunger and exhaustion, friends giving away their own food to their peers, and more. We also heard stories about the benefits of receiving free school meals, including improved concentration and overall well being.

Last week’s budget proved the Government will only prioritise young people if enough of us demand it. 68% of parents, grandparents and carers think any increase in funding for education should be spent on school meals. The people are on our side, now it’s time for Liz Truss to act. Click here to read the report, and share it with your friends and family.

Thanks so much,

Christina and the Bite Back 2030 team.