London’s deputy mayor visited a Hackney school to see how Universal Free School Meals are helping children and their families.
Joanne McCartney, deputy mayor for children and families, visited Grasmere Primary School on March 10 to see the impact of the mayor of London’s Universal Free School Meals programme, which provides free meals to all state primary pupils.
She was joined by Hackney mayor Caroline Woodley, and deputy mayor and cabinet member for children’s services and young people Cllr Antoinette Bramble, and was welcomed by the school’s executive headteacher and head of school.
During the visit, pupils led a tour of the school and introduced her to the kitchen team, including the head chef.
She also took part in a question-and-answer session with Year 6 pupils and shared lunch with Key Stage 2 students, who spoke about how free school meals help them feel "stronger and healthier".
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Ms McCartney said: "We are committed to making London the greatest city in the world to grow up in, so it was a joy to visit Grasmere Primary School today.
"We are proud that the mayor’s historic free school meals programme is improving pupil's abilities to learn, supporting children's mental wellbeing, and helping to ease financial pressures on families, as we continue to build a healthier, fairer London for all."
Ms Woodley said: "I was very happy to join the Deputy mayor at Grasmere today to look at the difference the mayor of London's support for free school meals makes.
"At Grasmere, the head chef and entire team are dedicated to making this a tasty and joyful offer – fresh ingredients, interesting flavours and culinary influences, reflecting our diverse borough. Making healthy, nutritious food freely available to children ensures that every child is fuelled up for a day of learning and play."
The school runs a food education programme, teaching pupils about nutrition, sustainable food production and reducing food waste.
To date, the Universal Free School Meals scheme has funded more than 100 million meals for up to 270,000 children across London, potentially saving families over £500 per child each year.
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