Councillor’s call to extend free school meals across the East Riding

Councillor Paul Nickerson is calling for East Riding officials to lobby the Government for universal free school meals during the crisis.

He said the council should also look at extending its own free school meal programmes.

It comes as East Riding Council’s Health and Wellbeing Board heard the number pupils claiming free school meals has risen as the cost of living crisis deepens.

The council continued its programme of free school meal vouchers in the May half term and during the summer holidays through its Household Support Fund.

But a report to Hull City Council’s Cabinet said the East Riding had cut funding for their voucher programme.

The Hull report stated: “Other local authorities, including East Riding of Yorkshire, have reduced the value of voucher payments due to the pressure to support other vulnerable groups.”

East Riding Council has been contacted for comment.

Cllr Nickerson’s motion calling for a national, universal free school meals is set to be debated at a full council meeting on Wednesday, October 5.

Cllr Nickerson said that while the programme may cost more in the short term, making sure children were properly fed was a long-term investment.

He added it came as parents were warning that the cost of school dinners was rising locally.

The independent councillor said: “Every child who is entitled to free school meals is a sign of a family under financial pressure.

“The council has done great work to support families with local and national schemes but all the time I’m working with more who may have to make decisions around food and heating that impact their health.

“All data shows that children who are hungry are less able to learn and thrive at school so I’m calling for consideration to be given to the idea that over the cost of living crisis free school meals are provided to all children at school.

“It’s just about one of the best economic investments we could make and it will assist and reassure families when they need it most.”