Around one in five pupils receive free school meals
An estimated 2.6 million children in the UK live in households that missed meals or struggled to access healthy food during April, according to data from the Food Foundation charity.
Dr Nick Capstick, the head teacher of Drove Primary School in Wiltshire and a signatory to the letter, wants free school meals extended to all pupils. "We are seeing more of our pupils having time away from school because of illness and poor oral hygiene caused by inadequate diet," said Dr Capstick, who is also chairman of an independent working group, the School Food Review.
"Schools are increasingly faced with the need to support and often feed young people whose families can no longer afford the right food at home," he told BBC News.
"The holiday activities and food programme runs during major school holidays, and wider welfare support is available through the household support fund, which helps vulnerable families in need with essentials, such as food and utility bills."
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
10 great gifts to give older siblings when a new baby arrivesWhether it's a toy they've been wanting for weeks, or a 'best big brother or sister' themed gift, a new baby sibling gift is a lovely way to encourage your eldest to feel included.
Read more »
Give pink makeup an edgier look | Funmi FettoUse pretty shades to challenge old-fashioned ideas about pink. Plus, hard-working cleansers and three great investment scents
Read more »
Mayor flew 4,000 miles to give 14-minute speech on climate change in CanadaThe UK’s first city mayor to declare a climate emergency, Marvin Rees, has been blasted for flying 4,600 miles to Canada, to give a 14-minute speech about cutting CO2 emissions 🇬🇧 🛫🛬🇨🇦
Read more »
Kylie Minogue on appreciating the small things, the advice she'd give her younger self, and that return to NeighboursKylie Minogue on appreciating the small things, the advice she'd give her younger self, and *that* return to Neighbours.
Read more »