News

The Mayor of London is proposing to spend £140m in his 2024/25 budget to extend free school meals for another year from September.

Chef and campaigner Jamie Oliver said: "Huge kudos to Sadiq Khan for extending free school meals across London for another academic year. Not only will it help families make ends meet, but evidence proves that children having access to delicious, nutritious food at school is the foundation of their wellbeing and educational success.

“It’s more than just nourishing their bodies – it's a fundamental support system that significantly impacts their future. At a time when so many families are struggling financially, supporting free school meals has never been more vital. It’s a lifeline for children, providing the nourishment they need to thrive, despite these challenging times."

The proposed new funding will see boroughs offered £3 per meal to help to continue to deliver the meals from September. This is 18.5% higher than the amount they receive from Government, who previously increased its funding from £2.41 to £2.53 per meal this year following the Mayor’s ‘unprecedented intervention’.

Chef Tom Kerridge added: “This is great news for so many parents feeling the pressure from the cost-of-living crisis. No child should go hungry because their parents cannot afford to buy them lunch. This latest announcement from the Mayor of London will reduce the burden on parents and carers across the capital, hit hard by rising costs, it is really good news.”