Hey,

The Autumn budget statement was released yesterday and it made for grim reading. Yet again we, young people, have been ignored. There wasn’t even a mention of us. But we won’t give up. Keep fighting with us — email your MP about the importance of free school meals and ask them to meet with us and listen to the voices of young people.

There wasn’t even a mention of our demand for free school meal provisions to be extended despite Jeremy Hunt saying he prioritised education and protected the vulnerable. We’ve been failed again. 

The Government knows this is an issue and after all of the hard work we’ve done, collecting over 220,000 signatures on our petition, sending almost 2,000 emails to MPs and raising our voices across all types of media, we had hoped for an extension of free school meal support in this budget. But nothing.

This will not get us down. This will not stop us. 800,000 children are still at risk of going hungry this winter because of government incompetence. We’re still here fighting with them.

We know that our voices are making a difference. Since this campaign launched, we’ve gained the support of Michael Gove, and been mentioned in parliament by a total of 8 MPs, in response to the emails you’ve sent them. Every question they pose to the Prime Minister on this issue ramps up the pressure for the Government to act. 

If you’re feeling upset and deflated by the lack of action by the Government, then here is what you can do right now. Email your MP about the importance of free school meals. Your voice makes a difference. 

It is every child’s right to have access to healthy and nutritious food. As my fellow campaigner Harrison says, “At the end of the day, a child needs to eat.” It’s time for the Government to prioritise the future of this country: our young people.

It’s so simple really. Every child should be guaranteed a healthy nutritious meal at least once a day. What is there to argue about?

Email your MP today and ask them to meet with us and listen to our stories.

Thanks so much,

Christina and the Bite Back 2030 team.