Petition · past parliament · Department for Education

All Primary school children should receive free school meals

Closed 100 signatures

What the petition asks

Currently, only children whose families are on less than £7400 a year, and are in receipt of universal credit, are entitled to free school meals.

It has been estimated that it would cost 950 million to provide universal free school meals.
However, the cost-of-living crisis means that many families, who fall out of this remit, are struggling to give their children a hot meal.

We must look beyond the cost and consider the enormous benefits to our young people. There is a direct link between children's diets and their educational attainment, and therefore free school meals are vital.

When our government says there is no money, or that such a policy is unaffordable: It is a lack of pollical will and not a lack of money.

Our children deserve this free school meal provision. If the government is serious about supporting growth, this should start with helping our children.
Please sign and share this petition if you agree.
Thank you!

Timeline

29 Dec 2022 Petition opened for signatures
29 Jun 2023 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 100
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 29 Dec 2022
Closed 29 Jun 2023

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.