The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has continued to deliver real support for families through his pioneering free school meals programme. Since September 2023, more than 115 million meals have been provided to primary school children across the capital—saving families up to £1,500 per child over three years and helping to improve children’s health, wellbeing and readiness to learn. For many households facing rising costs, this policy has made a meaningful difference, putting money back into parents’ pockets while ensuring no child goes hungry at school.
Crucially, the programme has also unlocked nearly £50 million in additional funding for schools by identifying over 20,200 previously unregistered pupils eligible for support. This funding is now being invested in targeted help such as SEND provision, mentoring, breakfast clubs and after-school activities. By simplifying the registration process and working closely with boroughs, City Hall has ensured schools receive the resources they are entitled to—strengthening support for disadvantaged pupils and helping to build a fairer education system across London.