This summer the Social Workers Union joined delegates at the National Education Union’s “No Child Left Behind” conference which celebrated recent victories in securing free school meals while calling for expanded universal provision.
The conference heard from speakers from unions, schools, universities and activists who highlighted the need to extend free school meals to all children. They argued that universal provision would eliminate stigma and reach families who fall just above benefit thresholds but still struggle to afford meals for their children.
The conference heard evidence of growing food insecurity in schools. More food banks now operate within schools than are delivered by the Trussell Trust, with one in five schools now having to provide food support. Currently, 4.5 million children live in poverty across the UK, a figure expected to rise to 4.8 million largely due to the two-child benefit cap, low wages, and the cost-of-living crisis.
SWU chaired a breakout session where trade unions and other groups including education groups, faith groups and school children broke into groups by sector to brainstorm ideas for a major “Back-to-School” campaign moment in September 2025. The workshop focused on growing the open letter following recent wins on free school meal expansion, engaging MPs and councils, and maintaining momentum for universal free school meals—a policy already implemented in London and established in countries like Finland. Breakout sessions focused on planning actions and events for the new school year and the autumn term leading up to Labour Party Conference.
The push for universal free school meals continues to gain momentum as unions and campaigners highlight both the welfare benefits and educational advantages of making sure no child goes hungry at school.
Sign the petition asking the Prime Minister to commit to Free School Meals for All: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-the-open-letter-free-school-meals-for-all
