MAYOR OF LONDON LETTER TO PARENTS

MAYOR OF LONDON LETTER TO PARENTS

Dear Parent/Carer, As the end of term approaches, I wanted to write to you to let you know how successful our Universal Free School Meals programme has been. I’m pleased to say I’ve now provided more than 10 million free lunches to primary school pupils in state-funded schools across our city since September. As part of our emergency intervention to help with the cost of living crisis, I'll continue to fund millions more free school meals until at least the end of this academic year, ensuring children don’t go hungry and saving families hundreds of pounds. I'm doing this because I know many parents and carers are desperately struggling with the cost of living right now. As someone who received free school meals myself growing up, I know they can be a lifeline to people who are finding it hard to make ends meet and that they can also help children concentrate in the classroom and reach their full potential. As Mayor of London, I also fundamentally believe that feeding our children shouldn’t be an optional luxury but should rank as one of our society’s top priorities. Making sure our children are properly fed and healthy is vital to building a better London for everyone – a city that is fairer, safer, more inclusive and more prosperous for all. I’ve been deeply touched by the heartfelt messages I’ve received from both parents and pupils, who’ve told me what these free school meals mean to them. I know times are still tough for many families across London, so I sincerely hope this programme will continue to make a meaningful difference to you and your children, particularly as the days get colder and energy bills remain high. Even though your child is receiving their free school meals automatically, it is still vitally important – if you have not already done so – to complete your school or borough’s registration form in case your child is eligible for extra funding for their school, worth over £1,300 per year, plus any wider benefits for your family. For more information about this and anything else about the scheme, please visit our online hub: https://www.london.gov.uk/free-school-meals.
Date: December 2023
Families having difficulties with their financial situation can also access advice and support by visiting my cost of living hub here: https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/communities-and-social-justice/help-cost-living.
I wish your family a happy and healthy winter break, and I hope your children are looking forward to their school meals when they return in the New Year.
Yours sincerely,
Sadiq Khan
Mayor of London