Richmond Council confirms funding support for free school meals

Richmond Council has confirmed it is providing additional funding to local schools, to support the expansion of free school meals to all primary aged children from September 2023.

The cost of the meals is being funded by the Mayor of London for one year and Council funding will ensure schools have the kitchen facilities and equipment needed to support the increased number of hot meals served.

Cllr Penny Frost, Chair of the Council's Education and Children's Service committee said: "We have welcomed the expansion of the free school meals provision to all primary children for the next academic year, at a time when many families are feeling the impact of high food prices and the cost-of-living crisis. Good nutrition is essential for physical and mental wellbeing and development, and we know that children learn better when they are well fed.

"We anticipate that this offer will be popular and one that parents will hope to see extended beyond a year. Our schools have had to make a significant capital investment to deliver meals for this coming year so if the offer continues, which we hope it will, it will be critical that the Mayor and the Department for Education work to release funding for ongoing costs."