Westminster City Council to offer free school lunches for all primary school children

Westminster City Council will be offering all children attending state-funded primary schools in Westminster a free school lunch to support families with the cost of living crisis.

Starting in January, the council will fund school lunches for all Key Stage 2 children (Years 3 – 6) who attend a Westminster primary school. The funding will be given directly to schools and has been agreed for an initial period of 18 months to support families struggling with the acute cost of living crisis.

Free school lunches are already provided for children in Reception and Key Stage 1 (up to Year 2) which is funded by the Department for Education. Westminster City Council will now extend this to include children in Key Stage 2.

Councillor Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster City Council, said: “Many working families who don’t qualify for free school meals are facing financial difficulties this winter as the cost of living crisis bites.

“This £2.7million investment will offer direct support to those who need it most and ensure that children don’t go hungry at school.

“Westminster City Council is determined to help our most vulnerable residents as food prices and energy bills soar. The free school lunch offer is in addition to a £10 million package of cost of living support which will create new food banks and help residents pay their energy bills.”

Councillor Tim Roca, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Young People, Learning and Leisure, said:“We know families are struggling with the cost of living and that children face going hungry at school as a result. It’s vital that children are given a nutritious meal at school to help with their learning and to improve their overall health.

“That’s why we are announcing free lunches for all Westminster children in Years 3 to 6, saving parents up to £550 per child, per year.

“This will mean all Westminster children attending our primary schools will receive a free, healthy lunch - providing direct support to our most vulnerable families and making sure children are able to thrive at school."