Should Free School Meals Be Cut?

The Government is considering scrapping free school meals for all infants as part of George Osborne’s November spending review.

16:37 21 September 2015

A scheme, which provides free meals for all infants, could be abolished as part of the George Osborne’s November spending review. Introduced by Nick Clegg in the last coalition government, it may be dropped due to budget constraints.

 

Jamie Oliver, the celebrity chef who advises the Government on child obesity, said: “it would be a disaster” if the plan pushes through. He added that the initiative has been "a major step forward for children's health and academic performance", as most packed lunches "get nowhere near the nutritional standards set for school meals".

 

However, Jonathan Simons from Policy Exchange said: “The principle of have a hot school lunch is a good one, but the question really is one of value for money.

 

"Is it the best use of £800m a year to pay for free school meals for all children, regardless of their parental wealth?"

 

Meanwhile, the Department of Education is against the plan.

 

A Government spokesman said: "We believe that every child, regardless of their background, should have the same opportunities.

 

"That is at the heart of what we are doing with school food – no child should be hindered because they are not eating a nutritious meal at lunchtime."