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Brad Pearce, chair of LACA, said: “The Mayor of London’s announcement will go a long way to tackle child hunger in London, and we hope that this is extended, both beyond the year and throughout the country.

“LACA has long called for the extension of free school meal eligibility, we have also been clear that a funding increase is necessary over and above the current funded rates of just £2.41 and £2.47. We would seek clarity over the proposed levels of funding per meal in this proposal.

“Our most recent survey suggests that the average selling price of a paid for school meal will reach as high as £2.65 this year. School caterers, both in London and the rest of the UK are already struggling to continue to provide high-quality meals, and this is only set to get worse in the coming months as food inflation and labour costs continue to rise.

“We therefore urge the Government to provide City Hall with the funding needed to ensure caterers have the infrastructure and staff in place to continue delivering hot, healthy and nutritious meals.”