Thousands of children going without free school meals

 AP

The Children's Society has warned that large numbers of children in poverty are missing out on free school meals.

The charity found that in 57 constituencies across England, more than six in 10 children in poverty were not getting a free school meal.

The constituencies of Horsham, and Bognor Regis and Littlehampton both had the highest proportion of children missing out on the free school meal at 69%.

They were followed closely by Mitcham and Morden, and Arundel and South Downs at 68%.  

Only 22 of England's 533 constituencies had fewer than 10% of children in poverty missing out on free school meals.

Children's Society warned that that once parents had paid for school meals, they were left struggling to provide other basic necessities for their children, like school shoes and home heating.

In a survey of teachers by the charity, nearly half said they often saw children going hungry in school.  Children's Society said the free school lunch could be the only proper meal in the day for a child of poverty.

It is calling on the government to make free school meals available to all children in poverty.

Matthew Reed, our Chief Executive, said: "It is shocking that huge numbers of children in poverty across the country are missing out on a free school meal. Every child in poverty should be entitled to this vital support.

"We know from the families we work with up and down the country that parents are struggling to make ends meet.

"Right now, the government is reconsidering which children will be entitled to get free school meals.

"We urge the government to take this opportunity to make sure all children in poverty can get a free school meal."

News
Which type of tree did Zacchaeus actually climb?
Which type of tree did Zacchaeus actually climb?

20 April is the feast day of Zacchaeus of Jericho. We all know the account of Zacchaeus climbing a tree to see Jesus. However, it turns out not to have been a sycamore tree at all. This is the story …

Joseph Duggar of '19 Kids and Counting' arrested for child molestation
Joseph Duggar of '19 Kids and Counting' arrested for child molestation

Former “19 Kids and Counting” star Joseph Duggar, whose older brother Josh Duggar is currently serving time in prison for receiving and possessing child pornography, has been arrested and charged with lewd and lascivious behavior involving unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

Bangladesh Christian leaders express cautious hope under new government
Bangladesh Christian leaders express cautious hope under new government

Bangladesh’s new government has prompted cautious optimism among Christian leaders, who say recent political changes offer a potential opening for greater religious freedom even as concerns remain over security, justice and political pressure.

Scotland’s assisted suicide vote: a temporary victory?
Scotland’s assisted suicide vote: a temporary victory?

It will be interesting to see if the Scottish government goes down the route of investing in quality palliative care, or whether Liam McArthur's defeated assisted suicide bill is simply resurrected in another form.