9 in 10 parents agree: It’s time for Free School Meals for All
A YouGov/NEU poll of 2,106 parents shows overwhelming support for extending Free School Meals to every child in primary school.
The numbers affirm what we see in our schools and communities every day:
The cost-of-living continues to hit hard: just 1 in 4 parents in England feel financially comfortable.
This is impacting what food families can afford: nearly 1 in 3 parents have had to cut the quantity or variety of their food shop since the start of the school year.
The Government’s coming changes don’t go far enough: 56% of parents not on Universal Credit (UC) said Free School Meals for All would help ease their family finances, and 44% say it would have a positive impact on their mental wellbeing
We have the country on our side. Share today and help us turn this support into action.
Use the graphics and template copy below, or repost directly from the No Child Left Behind social channels:
Facebook: @NoChildLeftBehindUK
Instagram: @nochildleftbehinduk
Twitter/X: @NoChildBehindUK
TikTok: @NoChildLeftBehindUK
We have included images and Mp4s versions (intended to be posted as video posts, reels or stories).
Option 1:
THIS JUST IN: YouGov/NEU poll shows 9 in 10 parents support Free School Meals for All.
We’re proud to stand with parents and teachers to call for hot, healthy school dinners for every child in primary school.
Visit deliverthedinners.org.uk to learn more @NoChildBehindUK
Option 2:
Together with @NEUnion @NoChildBehindUK we helped secure Free School Meals for 500,000+ more children on Universal Credit.
New polling shows too many children and parents will still be left behind. Over half of parents who won’t get this support say it would ease their family finances.
We’re asking the Prime Minister to #deliverthedinners - learn more deliverthedinners.org.uk
Option 3:
BREAKING: new poll shows parents still forced to cut food shop to cope with cost of living.
Inflation is 📈 and Free School Meals for All is one thing the Government could do today to ease the pressure for every family.
We support @NoChildBehindUK calls to extend hot, healthy dinners to every child in primary school. Sign the petition https://bit.ly/deliverthedinners
Option 1:
🚨THIS JUST IN: 9 in 10 parents support Free School Meals for All.
A recent poll with parents of primary-aged children in England found that:
🛒 Cost of living continues to hit our communities hard.
💥 Since the start of this school year, 1 in 3 parents have cut the quantity or variety of their food shop. Others are reducing or stopping children’s out-of-school and after-school activities just to manage.
🍎 Majority say Free School Meals for All would ease the pressure on family finances.
We stand with children, families and @NoChildLeftBehind’s call to #DeliverTheDinners
✍️ Sign the petition calling on the Prime Minister to extend Free School Meals to all primary school children: bit.ly/deliverthedinners
Option 2:
Together with @NationalEducationUnion and @NoChildLeftBehindUK we helped secure Free School Meals for 500,000+ more children on Universal Credit.
A massive step in the right direction. But new polling today shows too many children and parents will still be left behind. Over half of parents who won’t get this support say it would ease their family finances.
We stand proudly with a coalition of 350+ civil society groups calling on the Prime Minister to #deliverthedinners - add your name bit.ly/deliverthedinners
Option 3:
BREAKING: new poll shows parents still forced to cut food shop to cope with cost of living.
Inflation is 📈 and Free School Meals for All is one thing the Government could do today to ease the pressure for every family.
We proudly support @NoChildLeftBehindUK’s calls to extend hot, healthy dinners to every child in primary school. Sign the petition: bit.ly/deliverthedinners
Option 1:
🚨THIS JUST IN: 9 in 10 parents support Free School Meals for All.
A recent poll with parents of primary-aged children in England found that:
🛒 Cost of living continues to hit our communities hard.
💥 Since the start of this school year, 1 in 3 parents have cut the quantity or variety of their food shop. Others are reducing or stopping children’s out-of-school and after-school activities just to manage.
🍎 Majority say Free School Meals for All would ease the pressure on family finances.
We stand with children, families and @NoChildLeftBehind’s call to #DeliverTheDinners
👉 Head to @nochildleftbehindUK for more ✨
Option 2:
Together with @NationalEducationUnion and @NoChildLeftBehindUK we helped secure Free School Meals for 500,000+ more children on Universal Credit.
A massive step in the right direction. But new polling today shows too many children and parents will still be left behind. Over half of parents who won’t get this support say it would ease their family finances.
We stand proudly with a coalition of 350+ civil society groups calling on the Prime Minister to #deliverthedinners
👉 Head to @nochildleftbehindUK for more ✨
Option 3:
BREAKING: new poll shows parents still forced to cut food shop to cope with cost of living.
Inflation is 📈 and Free School Meals for All is one thing the Government could do today to ease the pressure for every family.
We proudly support @NoChildLeftBehindUK’s calls to extend hot, healthy dinners to every child in primary school.
This November, London marked 100,000,000 school dinners served as part of the city’s Free School Meals for All programme.
Initially launched by Mayor Sadiq Khan in 2023 to support families through the cost of living crisis, it was soon made permanent.
We’re celebrating this major milestone and the impact for children, families and schools in London — and continuing to build the case for doing this for every primary school child in England.
Use the copy below, or repost the No Child Left Behind posts on any of the below social channels,
Facebook: @NoChildLeftBehindUK
Instagram: @nochildleftbehinduk
Twitter/X: @NoChildBehindUK
TikTok: @NoChildLeftBehindUK
Mp4s, intended to be posted as video posts, reels or stories. Both options are available with 9:16 or 4:5 aspect ratios.
Option 1:
Across London, children are eating, growing and learning together.
Here’s to another 100 million school dinners. #FreeSchoolMealsForAll
Option 2:
This should be the future for every child in England, no ifs, ands or buts. #FreeSchoolMealsForAll
Sign the open letter to the Prime Minister: https://bit.ly/openletter-sign
Option 3:
Free School Meals for All means:
🍲 children get a hot, healthy school dinner every day.
✅ less pressure for every family,
🏫 stronger school communities.
This is the future every child should have. #FreeSchoolMealsForAll
.
Option 1:
Across London, children are eating, growing and learning together.
Here’s to another 100 million school dinners.
@NoChildLeftBehindUK
Option 2:
This should be the future for every child in England, no ifs, ands or buts.
Sign the @NoChildLeftBehindUK open letter to the Prime Minister: https://bit.ly/openletter-sign
Option 3:
Free School Meals for All means:
🍲 children get a hot, healthy school dinner every day.
✅ less pressure for every family,
🏫 stronger school communities.
This is the future every child should have.
@NoChildLeftBehindUK
Option 1:
Across London, children are eating, growing and learning together.
Here’s to another 100 million school dinners.
@nochildleftbehinduk
Option 2:
This should be the future for every child in England, no ifs, ands or buts.
Sign the @nochildleftbehinduk open letter to the Prime Minister: https://bit.ly/openletter-sign
Option 3:
Free School Meals for All means:
🍲 children get a hot, healthy school dinner every day.
✅ less pressure for every family,
🏫 stronger school communities.
This is the future every child should have.
@nochildleftbehinduk
On Tuesday 30 September, we'll be outside the Conference with 70+ pupils, parents, MPs and educators to hand in our petition to the Prime Minister. With 22,000+ signatures, it's a powerful call for the Government to deliver.
Help amplify this action. Share our posts on X/Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Or find social videos and sample copy below to help share this moment with your supporters, networks and families nationwide.
If Bluesky, replace @ with: No Child Left Behind
Option 1
Today, the Prime Minister will receive a petition for #FreeSchoolMealsforAll, backed by 22,000+ signatories.
No child should go hungry at school. Not in Liverpool, or anywhere else in the country.
We proudly stand with @NoChildBehindUK
#Lab25
- -
Option 2
No child should go hungry at school.
We stand with @NoChildBehindUK handing in the petition to the Prime Minister today to demand #FreeSchoolMealsforAll.
#Lab25
- -
Option 3
⭐️ We’re proud to be part of the @NoChildBehindUK coalition.
💪🏼 We stand alongside pupils, teachers and parents across the country in their campaign for #FreeSchoolMealsforAll.
🍎 Together, we’ll win a free, hot and healthy school dinner for every primary child.
Option 1
Today, the Prime Minister will receive a petition for Free School Meals for All, backed by 22,000+ signatories.
No child should go hungry at school. Not in Liverpool, or anywhere else in the country.
As part of the No Child Left Behind coalition, we proudly stand with the 70+ pupils delivering the petition in Liverpool.
Together, we will win a hot, healthy school dinner for every primary school child so that No Child is Left Behind. #FreeSchoolMealsforAll.
- -
Option 2
No child should go hungry at school.
We stand with No Child Left Behind handing in the petition to the Prime Minister today to demand #FreeSchoolMealsforAll.
- -
Option 3
⭐️ We’re proud to be part of the @nochildleftbehinduk coalition.
💪🏼 We stand alongside pupils, teachers and parents across the country in their campaign for #FreeSchoolMealsforAll.
🍎 Together, we’ll win a free, hot and healthy school dinner for every primary child.
Option 1
Today, the Prime Minister will receive a petition for Free School Meals for All, backed by 22,000+ signatories.
No child should go hungry at school. Not in Liverpool, or anywhere else in the country.
As part of the @nochildleftbehinduk coalition, we proudly stand with the 70+ pupils at the hand-in in Liverpool.
Together, we will win a hot, healthy school dinner for every primary school child so that No Child is Left Behind.
#FreeSchoolMealsforAll #FreeSchoolMeals #KeirStarmer #Lab25
- -
Option 2
No child should go hungry at school.
We stand with @nochildleftbehinduk handing in their petition to the Prime Minister today to demand #FreeSchoolMealsforAll.
#FreeSchoolMeals #Lab25
- -
Option 3
⭐️ We’re proud to be part of the @nochildleftbehinduk coalition.
💪🏼 We stand alongside pupils, teachers and parents across the country in their campaign for #FreeSchoolMealsforAll.
🍎 Together, we’ll win a free, hot and healthy school dinner for every primary child.
#FreeSchoolMeals #Lab25
The Government is extending Free School Meals to over half a million children. This will mean food in more bellies. Stronger school communities and friendships in the dinner hall. A dent in the scandal of child hunger.
Celebrate this victory. Share our posts on X/Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Or find social videos and sample copy below to help share the momentous and breaking news with your supporters, networks and families nationwide.
Option 1
🍎 Proud to be part of the @NoChildBehindUK coalition today as the Government extends Free School Meals to half a million more children.
Our next step?
✅ Ensuring every primary school child can learn and thrive with the roll out of #FreeSchoolMealsforAll
- -
Option 2
🚨BREAKING🚨
Half a million more children will get #FreeSchoolMeals.
The Government has moved the goalposts in the right direction for families.
🌟 Now, let's get this done for every child in primary school.
@nochildbehinduk
#FreeSchoolMealsForAll
Option 1
🍎 Proud to be part of the @NoChildLeftBehindUK coalition today as the Government extends Free School Meals to half a million more children.
Our next step?
✅ Ensuring every primary school child can learn and thrive with the roll out of #FreeSchoolMealsforAll
- -
Option 2
🚨BREAKING🚨
Half a million more children will get #FreeSchoolMeals.
The Government has moved the goalposts in the right direction for families.
🌟 Now, let's get this done for every child in primary school.
@nochildleftbehinduk
#FreeSchoolMealsForAll
Option 1
🍎 Proud to be part of the @NoChildLeftBehindUK coalition today as the Government extends #FreeSchoolMeals to half a million more children.
Our next step?
✅ Ensuring every primary school child can learn and thrive with the roll out of #FreeSchoolMealsforAll
#SchoolFood #EndChildFoodPoverty #InvestInEducation
- -
Option 2
🚨BREAKING🚨
Half a million more children will get #FreeSchoolMeals.
The Government has moved the goalposts in the right direction for families.
🌟 Now, let's get this done for every child in primary school.
@nochildleftbehinduk
#FreeSchoolMealsForAll
#SchoolFood #EndChildFoodPoverty #InvestInEducation
Children’s wellbeing stretches from the classroom to the canteen 📚🍎
That's why the Government's Children's Wellbeing Bill must include hot, healthy school dinners.
✍️ Can you write to your MP to back #FreeSchoolMealsForAll? @NoChildBehindUK
bit.ly/amend-thebill
Children’s wellbeing stretches from the classroom to the canteen 📚🍎
The Government's Children's Wellbeing Bill includes free breakfast but stops short of hot, nutritious school dinner for primary school children.
✍️ Can you write to your MP to back #FreeSchoolMealsForAll so every child in England can thrive? @NoChildLeftBehindUK
Link in bio
#FreeSchoolMeals #FreeSchoolMealsForAll #EndChildFoodPoverty #ChildrensWellbeingBill #EndChildHunger #SchoolLunches
Children’s wellbeing stretches from the classroom to the canteen 📚🍎
The Government's Children's Wellbeing Bill includes free breakfast but stops short of hot, nutritious school dinners for primary school children.
✍️ Can you write to your MP to back #FreeSchoolMealsForAll so every child in England can thrive? @NoChildLeftBehindUK
bit.ly/amend-thebill
The Government has put free breakfasts for primary school pupils in the Children's Wellbeing Bill.
It's a job half-done. We back #FreeSchoolMealsForAll so every child can get a hot, nutritious dinner for their health and learning.
✍️ Ask your MP to amend the bill: bit.ly/amend-thebill
@NoChildBehindUK
🍎 The Government is proposing free breakfasts for every primary school child in the new Children's Wellbeing Bill.
But a hot, healthy midday meal is what keeps children energised and focused through the school day.
Every primary school child in London and Wales gets Free School Meals.
⏰ It's time for England to catch up.
Ask your MP to help amend the Bill to include #FreeSchoolMealsForAll:
Check our link in bio
#FreeSchoolMeals #FreeSchoolMealsForAll #ChildrensWellbeingBill
@NoChildLeftBehindUK
🍎 The Government is proposing free breakfasts for every primary school child in the new Children's Wellbeing Bill.
But teachers, parents and pupils agree that dinners are the most important meal at school.
A hot, healthy midday meal is what keeps children energised and focused through the school day.
Every primary school child in London and Wales gets Free School Meals. In Scotland they have it for children up to 10 years old.
⏰ It's time for England to catch up.
Ask your MP to help amend the Bill to include #FreeSchoolMealsForAll: bit.ly/amend-thebill
@NoChildLeftBehindUK
We've produced a helpful explainer on the Children's Wellbeing Bill to inform your followers about how we can push for Free School Meals for All at this critical moment.
Repost or quote tweet our video to your own social channels to encourage people to watch and ask their MP to help amend the Bill to include Free School Meals for All.
On Twitter / X
👉 Click here to quote tweet the post with the video.
On Instagram
👉 Click here to share this video to your stories on Instagram
On TikTok
All children in state primary school in London will get Free School Meals for good.
This builds on the successful launch of the scheme last September. Since then, we’ve been hearing from parents and educators. About how this is helping children focus and learn better in class, lightening the load for parents and carers, and helping build stronger relationships between schools and families.
The permanent extension of the scheme in London is cause to celebrate. And inspiration to keep up the fight until we win Free School Meals for All for every child.
Use the graphic and suggested copy below, or share posts from the No Child Left Behind on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
Option 1
✅ #FreeSchoolMeals
✅ For every child in London primary schools
✅ Now rolled out for good
Let's get this done for the rest of England too.
@nochildbehinduk
#FreeSchoolMealsForAll
- -
Option 2
🍎 London’s #FreeSchoolMealsForAll scheme is already making a difference for parents, children, and school communities.
📅 And now it’s extended for good.
🌟This is the future we want for every child, nation-wide.
- -
Option 3
🚨BREAKING🚨
London’s #FreeSchoolMealsForAll scheme has been extended for good.
Mayor @SadiqKhan is stepping up for children and families.
Let’s win this for every child in England.
Option 1
✅ A Free School Meal
✅ For every child in London primary schools
✅ Now rolled out for good
Let's get this done for the rest of England too.
@nochildleftbehinduk
- -
Option 2
🍎 London’s #FreeSchoolMealsForAll scheme is making a difference for parents, children, and school communities.
📅 And now it’s extended for good.
🌟This is the future we want for every child, nation-wide.
- -
Option 3
Mayor @SadiqKhan is stepping up for children and families.
London’s #FreeSchoolMealsForAll scheme has been extended for good.
Let’s win this for every child in England.
Option 1
✅ A Free School Meal
✅ For every child in London primary schools
✅ Now rolled out for good
Let's get this done for the rest of England too.
@nochildleftbehinduk
#FreeSchoolMeals #FreeSchoolMealsForAll #SchoolFood #EndChildFoodPoverty #London #LondonNews #InvestInEducation
- -
Option 2
🍎 London’s #FreeSchoolMealsForAll scheme is making a difference for parents, children, and school communities.
📅 And now it’s extended for good.
🌟This is the future we want for every child, nation-wide.
#FreeSchoolMeals #FreeSchoolMealsForAll #SchoolFood #EndChildFoodPoverty #London #LondonNews #InvestInEducation
- -
Option 3
Mayor @SadiqKhan is stepping up for children and families.
London’s #FreeSchoolMealsForAll scheme has been extended for good.
Let’s win this for every child in England.
#FreeSchoolMeals #FreeSchoolMealsForAll #SchoolFood #EndChildFoodPoverty #London #LondonNews #InvestInEducation
The result of a research collaboration by the National Education Union and Child Poverty Action Group, this report explores the benefits of universal Free School Meal provision in London by focusing on experiences of those directly impacted: parents and school staff.
Find social graphics and sample copy below to help amplify the positive impacts of Free School Meals for All. Please note that the quotes contain multiple graphics and should be posted as a carousel or thread.
🍎#FreeSchoolMealsforAll boosts inclusion and socialising, giving every child the nutrition they need to learn and thrive.
🚀Launching today, a new report from @NEUnion & @CPAGUK details the positive impact of the scheme on schools and families.
Read the findings now:
➡️neu.org.uk/campaigns/child-poverty
- -
🍎#FreeSchoolMealsforAll boosts inclusion and socialising, giving every child the nutrition they need to learn and thrive.
🚀Launching today, ‘The Universalism Multiplier’ report details the positive impact of the scheme on schools and families.
@nationaleducationunion and @cpag_uk conducted interviews with staff from 6 primary schools in London and surveyed over 70 parents.
Read the findings now
➡️link in bio
- -
🍎Free School Meals for All boosts inclusion and socialising, giving every child the nutrition they need to learn and thrive.
🚀Launching today, ‘The Universalism Multiplier’ report details the positive impact of the scheme on schools and families.
The @National Education Union and @Child Poverty Action Group conducted interviews with staff from 6 primary schools in London and surveyed over 70 parents.
Read the findings now: ➡️neu.org.uk/campaigns/child-poverty
🎒All children deserve an equal start.
📚#FreeSchoolMealsforAll gives every child the chance to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
🥪Read @CPAGUK and @NEUnion's report about how it makes a difference for children, families, and schools ➡️neu.org.uk/campaigns/child-poverty
- -
🎒All children deserve an equal start.
📚#FreeSchoolMealsforAll gives every child the chance to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
🥪Read @nationaleducationunion and @cpag_uk’s report about how it makes a difference for children, families, and schools ➡️link in bio
- -
🎒All children deserve an equal start.
📚#FreeSchoolMealsforAll gives every child the chance to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
🥪Read @National Education Union and @Child Poverty’s report about how it makes a difference for children, families, and schools ➡️neu.org.uk/campaigns/child-poverty
Quote graphic (2 slides)
🥪#FreeSchoolMealsforAll gives every child the same chance to eat a hot & healthy school dinner, reducing stigma in the lunchroom.
🎒Read about its impact via @NEUnion & @CPAGUK
➡️neu.org.uk/campaigns/child-poverty
- -
🥪#FreeSchoolMealsforAll gives every child the same chance to eat a hot & healthy school dinner, reducing stigma in the lunchroom.
🎒Read about its impact from @nationaleducationunion and @cpag_uk ➡️ link in bio
- -
🥪#FreeSchoolMealsforAll gives every child the same chance to eat a hot & healthy school dinner, reducing stigma in the lunchroom.
🎒Read about its impact from @National Education Union and @Child Poverty Action Group
➡️neu.org.uk/campaigns/child-poverty
Quote graphic (2 slides)
💷When parents worry less about affording food, they have more time to support their children.
🥪Read first-hand from families and school staff on the difference that #FreeSchoolMealsforAll makes.
🍎’The Universalism Multiplier’:
➡️neu.org.uk/campaigns/child-poverty
- -
💷When parents worry less about affording food, they have more time to support their children.
🥪Read first-hand from families and school staff on the difference that #FreeSchoolMealsforAll makes.
🍎’The Universalism Multiplier’:
➡️Link in bio
@nationaleducationunion and @cpag_uk
- -
💷When parents worry less about affording food, they have more time to support their children.
🥪Read first-hand from families and school staff on the difference that #FreeSchoolMealsforAll makes.
🍎’The Universalism Multiplier’:
➡️neu.org.uk/campaigns/child-poverty
@National Education Union and @Child Poverty Action Group
Quote graphic (2 slides)
👩🏫For many teachers, the impact of #FreeSchoolMealsforAll goes far beyond tackling child hunger.
Read about their experiences in our latest report:
➡️neu.org.uk/campaigns/child-poverty
@CPAGUK @NEUnuion
- -
👩🏫For many teachers, the impact of #FreeSchoolMealsforAll goes far beyond tackling child hunger.
Read about their experiences in the new report co-authored by @nationaleducationunion and @cpag_uk:
➡️link in bio
- -
👩🏫For many teachers, the impact of #FreeSchoolMealsforAll goes far beyond tackling child hunger.
Read about their experiences in the new report co-authored by @National Education Union and @Child Poverty Action Group:
➡️neu.org.uk/campaigns/child-poverty
The result of a research collaboration by the National Education Union and Child Poverty Action Group, this report explores the benefits of universal Free School Meal provision by focusing on experiences of those directly impacted – notably, parents, school staff and children.
You can share our post on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Or find social graphics and sample copy below to help share the exciting news about these newest members of our coalition.
Sample 1
No child should go hungry at school.
We’re proud to have these public figures standing with us, with @NoChildBehindUK, and our demand for #FreeSchoolMealsForAll 🍎
Add your name ➡️ https://bit.ly/3RFDBJQ
- -
Sample 2
We’re calling for #FreeSchoolMealsForAll - alongside Kate Winslet, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran and 20+ other public figures asking the Government to extend Free School Meals to every child in primary school.
Join us and sign the open letter ✍️ https://bit.ly/3RFDBJQ
@nochildbehinduk
- -
Sample 3
We’re proud to see these public figures joining our call to @RishiSunak to extend Free School Meals to every child in primary school.
Join us and sign the open letter ✍️ https://bit.ly/3RFDBJQ
@nochildbehinduk
Sample 1
No child should go hungry at school.
We’re proud to have these public figures standing with us, with @NoChildLeftBehindUK and our demand for #FreeSchoolMealsForAll 🍎
Add your name ➡️ https://bit.ly/3RFDBJQ
- -
Sample 2
We’re calling for #FreeSchoolMealsForAll - alongside Kate Winslet, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran and 20+ other public figures asking the Government to extend Free School Meals to every child in primary school.
Join us and sign the open letter ✍️ https://bit.ly/3RFDBJQ
@nochildleftbehinduk
- -
Sample 3
We’re proud to see these public figures joining our call to @RishiSunak to extend Free School Meals to every child in primary school.
Join us and sign the open letter ✍️ https://bit.ly/3RFDBJQ
@nochildleftbehinduk
Sample 1
No child should go hungry at school.
We’re proud to have these public figures standing with us, with @NoChildLeftBehindUK and our demand for #FreeSchoolMealsForAll 🍎
- -
Sample 2
We’re calling for #FreeSchoolMealsForAll - alongside Kate Winslet, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran and 20+ other public figures asking the Government to extend Free School Meals to every child in primary school.
@nochildleftbehinduk #FreeSchoolMeals
- -
Sample 3
We’re proud to see these public figures joining our call to @RishiSunak to extend Free School Meals to every child in primary school.
@nochildleftbehinduk