Coventry MP Taiwo Owatemi today welcomed the “transformative” news that 20,000 children in her city are being added to the list of those eligible for daily free school meals.
Taiwo, who has campaigned for this change for many years, said this would benefit 5,830 families in her Coventry North West constituency.
She spoke out after the government announced the children of any parents in England who receive Universal Credit will be able to claim free school meals from September 2026.
Helping hundreds of thousands of children in poverty
Until now children have only been eligible for free school meals if their household income was below £7,400 per year – a threshold that excluded hundreds of thousands of children living in poverty.
Taiwo said: “This is a transformative moment for families in Coventry. I’ve been campaigning for years to ensure no child goes hungry at school – because I know from first-hand experience the impact that hunger has on a child’s ability to learn and grow. No child should be expected to learn on an empty stomach.
“Knowing that over 20,000 children across our city – including nearly 6,000 in Coventry North West – will now receive a hot, healthy meal every day is incredibly powerful.
‘I’ve never forgotten those conversations’
“I’ve spoken to parents in Coventry who skip meals so their children can eat – and I’ve never forgotten those conversations. I know the peace of mind this will bring them and that’s why I’ve fought so hard for this change.
“It’s about dignity, it’s about fairness, and it’s about giving every child the chance to thrive. I’m proud that Labour is delivering on this promise.”
Labour said the move to cut child poverty was part of its ‘Plan for Change’ and would put up to £500 back into these households’ pockets every year.
