After last week’s vote thousands of children across the UK are going hungry over half term. We urge the Government to act immediately to eradicate holiday hunger by providing Free School Meals to all children who need them to ensure that no child is left behind. Please add you name to those calling for Gavin Williamson to end holiday hunger. Read our statement below "No child should come to school too hungry to learn. But without access to Free School Meals over the half-term break, more than one million pupils will return to the classroom hungry, anxious and demoralised. Every day teachers, support staff and school leaders are working flat out to ensure that every child receives the best possible education, but if a child hasn’t eaten they cannot concentrate, they cannot learn and they miss out on achieving their full potential. During the national lockdown schools joined with their local communities to reach out to families who needed extra support. After last week’s vote they are doing so again – but more needs to be done. We urge the Government to act immediately to eradicate holiday hunger by providing Free School Meals to all children who need them to ensure that no child is left behind.”

Akshaya Patra, which feeds millions in India, opens first of three planned kitchens

As Clinical Psychologists we know only too well the long-term impacts of poverty on child development. Dame Louise Casey recently highlighted her concern that families were being forced into ‘destitution’ and would struggle to put food on the table.

Covid-hit firms tweet offers of food donations after MPs reject free school meals plan

Following the recent news that the government has ruled out extending free meals nationwide beyond term time, we would like to offer any children who normally qualify a free packed lunch for half...