Birmingham charity says more free school meals 'will not solve long-term problem'
The government is extending the free school meal programme to half a million more children in 2026
A charity helping to feed families in crisis in Birmingham told us they welcome the expansion of the free school meal programme, but want a long-term solution too.
The Government is expanding free school meals to all pupils in families on Universal Credit from September 2026.
The expansion of the free school meal scheme...
The expansion of the scheme is set to benefit half a million more children for free school lunches during the school day.
Ministers have also suggested that the change will lift 100,000 children across England out of poverty.
The Department of Education said it is also working with experts to review the School Food Standards to ensure every school is supported with the latest nutrition guidance.
What is "Let's Feed Brum"?
"Lets' Feed Brum" are a charity feeding people in Birmingham who are struggling to put food on the table.
Maeve O'Sullivan is a trustee and told us, the work they do is about more than just feeding the people that need it:
"We offer food and clothing donations as well as signposting families to services that will lift them out of their current situation and provide long term support," she said.
"It is about finding ways to help people access services"
Maeve said she welcomed the government's expansion of the free school meal scheme, as long as there is a long-term solution put in place too:
"It is about finding ways to help people access services in a more simple way. The more the government can help us connect the dots, the better.
"We see an average of anywhere between 75 and 200 people a day and a number of them are families. These are people that do not feel they can access the resources they need," she said.
"Puts money back in parents' pockets"
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:
"It is the moral mission of this government to tackle the stain of child poverty, and this government is taking a giant step towards ending it with targeted support that puts money back in parents' pockets.
"From free school meals to free breakfast clubs, breaking the cycle of child poverty is at the heart of our Plan for Change to cut the unfair link between background and success.
"We believe that background shouldn't mean destiny. Today's historic step will help us to deliver excellence everywhere, for every child and give more young people the chance to get on in life," she said.