100m free school meals delivered under London mayoral scheme

London has delivered 100 million free school meals to state primary pupils since the rollout of a universal meals programme in September 2023, according to City Hall.

The scheme, funded by the Mayor of London, offers every primary pupil in the capital a free hot lunch each school day. City Hall said the policy has provided 435 meals per child across just over two school years and could save families about £1,500 over three years for each child.

New analysis released alongside the figures indicates that schools are now receiving more than £11.5m a year in additional government funding for disadvantaged pupils. The mayoral team said this follows work with boroughs to ensure all eligible families are registered for pupil premium support, which is tied to free school meal entitlement.

Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that 100 million meals have now been provided to children across London’s state primary schools. I know from personal experience what a difference these meals make, so to be able to ensure that hundreds of thousands of children are receiving them across London every single day brings huge personal pride.

“These healthy meals ensure children don’t go hungry at school, making them ready to learn and giving them the energy to make the most of everything the school day offers, while also taking the financial pressure off their families. That’s why I’ll continue to fund this unprecedented programme for as long as I am Mayor and support our next generation, as we build a fairer and better London for everyone.”

Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said: “Today marks a historic milestone for the children of London. The provision of 100 million free school meals has lifted hundreds of thousands of families up, relieving the pressure on busy parents and carers and ensuring their children have the healthy, nutritious lunch they need to thrive in school.”

Nikita Sinclair, head of children’s health and food programme at Impact on Urban Health, added: “It’s fantastic to celebrate this milestone and the combined efforts of City Hall, local councils, schools and caterers that have gone into delivering it.”

The government has announced that free school meal entitlement will extend to all children in households receiving Universal Credit from the next school year. Khan has said his programme will remain in place for as long as he is in office.