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Calls for universal free school meals grow louder as campaigners hit Parliament

School food Poverty Pupil wellbeing Government policy
Since September, one in five teachers say they have seen more children turning up to school too hungry to learn.
Growing need: A survey of 10,000 teachers found that 20% have seen an increase in children turning up to school too hungry to learn since September, while 25% admit using their own money to feed students - Adobe Stock

It comes as separate polling has revealed that one in five parents are forced to buy unhealthy food for their children at least once a week because healthy options are too expensive.

Two reports have been launched in Parliament this week as momentum continues to build in the campaign to convince government to extend the reach of free school meals in schools in England.

Survey findings featuring 2,239 parents and published by Barnardo’s in its Nourishing the Future report reveal that 12% say are buying unhealthy food once a week due to the unaffordabilty of healthier options; a further 7% are buying unhealthy food more than once a week.

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