Commenting on the announcement of funding for FSM over the summer
holidays, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National
Education Union, said:
“The NEU welcomes the news that the government will provide a
£120 million “Covid summer food fund” to support children and
families who are facing real crisis as the summer holiday
approaches. In the fifth richest country in the world, it is not
right that so many children face food insecurity, especially in a
time of global health crisis.
'After a great deal of public pressure the Government has finally
recognised the importance of ensuring that children do not go
hungry during this time of unprecedented pandemic. The NEU
congratulates Marcus Rashford for the stand he has taken.
'There should never have been any hesitation on the part of
Government. For too many children and young people hunger is an
all too familiar part of their daily life. It is now time for
Government to act upon the need to end child poverty, not just
for the period of a pandemic but for all time.
'The hardship and struggle our current benefit system and support
for those living in poverty will not end with the containment of
this virus. COVID 19 is a natural phenomenon – poverty is not.
'We must work together as a society to build back better after
this crisis, ensuring that families facing food insecurity and
poverty are offered the support they need to get back on their
feet.
'Provision of free school meals over the summer was the 2nd of
the NEUs 10 point plan for education. We look forward to working
with others, including Government to achieve the other 9 points.
