Free School Meals for all Primary School Pupils
Pecan welcomes the introduction of Free School Meals
for all Primary School Pupils
Pecan welcomes the announcement by the Mayor of London of the introduction of Free School Meals for all Primary School Pupils. With huge increases in the numbers of families visiting Southwark Foodbank, many of whom are not entitled to free school meals, this intervention will help families increase their financial security and support children’s health.
Free School Meals was a recommendation from the Childhood Hunger Report released by Marina Ahmed AM (October 2022) at Peckham Methodist Church, which is also one of Southwark Foodbank’s welcome centres. At the launch of the Childhood Hunger Report, our CEO Chris Price was invited to speak as Pecan provided research information.
CEO at Pecan, Chris Price, said:
The introduction of universal free school meals in all London Primary Schools is going to have a dramatic effect on the financial situations for many families across London. It is not just about the finances though; it will guarantee children a good healthy meal every day at school. Making this available for every child reduces stigma and increases dignity. With this comes increased ability to attain at school, leading to longer term better prospects when leaving education and preventing a cycle of poverty in the next generation.
ENDS
For further information about Free School Meals:
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-64677228
- https://www.pecan.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/marina_ahmad_am_childhood_hunger_report-1.pdf
Pecan’s Food Services:
- Southwark Foodbank: https://www.pecan.org.uk/southwark-foodbank/
- Please refer to website for opening times
- Peckham Pantry, www.pecan.org.uk/peckham-pantry
- 49-53 Peckham Park Road SE15 6TU
Opening times: Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 9am-4pm, Tuesday: 11am-4pm, Thursday: 10am- 7pm, Saturday: 9am-3pm and Sunday – Closed
- St. Luke’s Church, Chandler Way SE15 6DT
Opening times: Wednesdays 11am-2pm
Southwark Foodbank is part of the www.trusselltrust.org network and Peckham Pantry is part of the www.yourlocalpantry.co.uk network both hosted locally by Pecan.
Contact:
- Chris Price, Pecan CEO:
Chris.price@pecan.org.uk
020 7732 0007 / 07931 717897 (Press enquiries only)
Pecan’s Community Services:
- Southwark Foodbank: https://www.pecan.org.uk/southwark-foodbank/
- Women’s Service: https://www.pecan.org.uk/womens-service/
- Community Hub: https://www.pecan.org.uk/together/
For further information:
Contact
Deborah Hayman-Nkhoma
Head of Services | fundraising@pecan.org.uk | 020 7732 0007
Tracey Francis
Marketing Manager tracey.francis@pecan.org.uk | 020 7732 0007
