The free school meals voucher scheme should be the start of real change, not just a one-off

There are many parents who feel a real dread every term, as the school holidays roll around, at the idea of having to find extra money to buy meals usually provided at school

After long months of sadness and uncertainty, we are all hoping for a return to normality this autumn. But we must not forget the positive steps we’ve taken as a society as we have come together to fight this pandemic.

The nationwide outpouring of appreciation for our NHS and care workers. More flexible working so we spend less time stuck in the office or crammed onto public transport at rush hour. And – a perfect example of how we can do more for those in need – the extension of free school meals throughout the summer holidays.

Thanks to the fantastic campaign led by footballer Marcus Rashford, this year the government is providing a “Covid Summer Food Fund”. This means children who are usually eligible for benefits-related free school meals can claim vouchers to cover the six-week summer holiday.

This will come as a huge relief to low-income families who may be struggling even more during these difficult times. But this is not a new problem. There are many parents who feel a real dread every term, as the school holidays roll around, at the idea of having to find an extra £30 to £40 per week to buy meals usually provided at school.

The voucher scheme should not just be a one-off gesture – it should be the start of real change. I am calling on the government to commit to providing food vouchers for children from the most vulnerable families during every school holiday, in the autumn spending review.

Given that IFS research shows that families with the lowest incomes have seen the biggest fall in earnings during this crisis - 15 per cent (or around £160 per month) - this additional support is needed now more than ever, and will be a real lifeline as the Christmas holidays approach.

It is a long overlooked anomaly that there is no equivalent support to FSM for children and their families during the holidays. It is surely just as much of a travesty if a child does not have enough good quality food in these 13 weeks of the year, as at any other time.

After all, the educational impacts of free school meals are significant, but they are not the only benefits. Among other things, free school meals improve health, increase understanding of nutrition, and reduce inequalities.

The existing voucher scheme may not be perfect – many families have slipped through the cracks and are still not getting the support they should be. But it is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, and with some alterations, it could be an enormous help to vulnerable parents and children, for years to come.

We must not allow this sensible, compassionate change to be reversed. We must keep doing more to support families on the lowest incomes and taking steps to be a kinder, more generous society, which gives every child the best start in life. If you agree, please write to your MP urging them to support me in this campaign.

Layla Moran is the Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon and a candidate for the party’s leadership