Expand Free School Meals To All Pupils in Scotland

Dear First Minister,

Will you expand universal free school meals to all pupils in Scotland?

I am writing to you in support of the STUC Women’s Committees ‘Food for Thought' Campaign and urging you to expand universal free school meal provision to all pupils in Scotland.

Scotland has made welcome progress on expanding universal free school meal provision to all primary 1 – 5 pupils, however, hunger and the poverty-related stigma and shame long associated with free school meals knows no age boundaries.

I strongly believe that by expanding universal free school meals provision to all pupils we can help to reduce the risks of hunger, tackle food insecurity, shatter the stigma associated with school meals, and encourage all young people to eat, learn, and grow together.

Universal free school meal provision to all pupils will also ensure that no young person misses out on access to healthy, nutritional food at school and that we can create a culture in schools where all young people can enjoy meals together, free of charge and free of stigma.

We know that neither empty tummies nor low self-esteem makes for full days of learning in school.

Means-testing will always mean that too many young people will miss out on access to healthy, nutritional food at school. Sadly, for thousands of young people, their school meal is their only chance in the day to access something to eat.

The Scottish Government should do all in its power to make sure all young people can access their right to food, and all young people are fuelled to learn.

The Scottish Government have pledged to significantly reduce child poverty, work towards becoming a ‘Good Food Nation, and be a world leader in upholding Children and Young People’s Rights.

Further, you pledged that tackling poverty will be one of your personal missions and top priorities as First Minister: I ask that you take stronger action in support of these priorities by expanding Universal Free School Meals for all pupils in Scotland.

This is a policy that the Scottish Government could introduce tomorrow.

Our children and young people’s life chances and livelihoods cannot be put on hold - immediate policy action is required now.

I urge you to please support and expand universal free school meals to all pupils in Scotland.