Weston Principal: Free School Meals Give Children Stability and Energy
Yesterday’s Labour conference protest reflects growing demand for expanded access
Samantha Hodder, principal at Uphill Village Academy in Weston-super-Mare, says free school meals make a “significant difference” to pupils’ daily routines, particularly for those from low-income families.
Hodder told us that knowing they will receive breakfast and a hot lunch helps children “settle into the learning” and feel “included and dignified.” She also noted that pupils who eat school meals often show improved concentration and energy compared to those whose lunch boxes are less nutritious.
“Many children now don’t have breakfast at home,” Hodder said. “Just that kind of sense of actually knowing that they’re going to receive a school meal…can foster a sense of inclusion and dignity.”
Hodder highlighted ongoing challenges around eligibility, saying some families “don’t quite meet that criteria, falling through the gap and maybe not getting the help and support that they need.” She described campaigns to expand access as “a really good one and will only benefit the children.”
Backing the push for wider access, Yeovil MP Adam Dance confirmed he has signed a parliamentary petition calling for free school meals for all children. Dance, who spoke about his own experiences with ADHD and dyslexia, said politicians can make a difference when they share personal insights.
“It was like I was being isolated…if I can do anything in my time in government to support children, I’m going to do so because if my personal experiences in life can help another child, I’ll do it,” Dance said.
The issue has been brought into sharp focus as pupils staged a protest outside yesterday’s Labour conference in Liverpool, calling for free school meals for every child. The demonstration highlighted concerns about food insecurity and the impact of hunger on learning and wellbeing.