The Trussell Trust, which runs the biggest network of food banks in the UK, has used today’s Autumn Statement to remind politicians that over 500,000 people have sought emergency food parcels since April. There is a particular poignance to this,as today was the day the Lib Dems were having a song and dance about their free school meals policy that they’re so proud of. But while that policy might be very pleasing to any parent of a child in infant school who doesn’t have to make sandwiches any more, is it really the best use of money when departments are being asked to find an extra £1bn of savings a year will be made for the next three years?
If there are some families struggling to feed their children full stop, then wouldn’t the £600 million be better spent expanding free school meals to families on low incomes not currently eligible, and the rest on breakfast clubs, so that hungry children receive not one but two good meals a day?
This free school meals policy really is one of the naffest that this government has announced.
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