York free school meal pilots extended to a third primary school

York’s free school meal pilot has been rolled out to a third school this term.

Pupils at Fishergate Primary School are now able to get a free breakfast at school each morning as part of the citywide campaign to deliver free meals to primary school pupils.

The campaign is part of the council’s wider commitment to ensure that residents start good health and wellbeing as early as possible in their lives – part of the council’s four year plan – One City for all.

York Hungry Minds was set up in a bid to address disadvantage and the impact of the cost of living crisis, in response to national evidence suggesting that providing children with healthy, nourishing food can make a significant difference to school attendance, concentration and their physical and mental wellbeing.

Fishergate Primary School joins existing schools offering free lunches for children in years 3-6* at Westfield Community Primary School and free breakfasts for to all pupils at Burton Green Primary School, which have been running since early 2024.

The pilots have been made possible thanks to funding from City of York Council and donations to the York Community Fund’s York Hungry Minds Appeal.

Initial research carried out by researchers from the Universities of York, Leeds and Sheffield into the impact of the York pilots last autumn showed that pupils taking in part in the schemes showed improved attendance and punctuality compared to their peers.

Schools also saw evidence of improved behaviour as a result of children feeling less hungry, with staff noting improvements in the pupils’ focus and energy levels after receiving a free breakfast.

Tina Clarke, headteacher at Fishergate Primary School, said: “I am delighted that my children are benefiting from this opportunity. It is lovely to see them tucking into pancakes with bananas and honey, cereal, toast or crumpets with their friends in the morning. It means that they can start the school day in a calm and settled way and that they are well- fuelled for their learning". 

Cllr Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to make free school breakfasts available to pupils at another primary school in the city as part of York Hungry Minds.

“Local and national evidence shows the positive impact universal free school meals have on pupils’ attendance and behaviour. We hope that our work and peoples’ generous donations will help to support our long term aim to ensure all children in the city have a great start to their health and wellbeing, as well as supporting all families through the cost of living crisis.”

More details on the research findings are available at https://www.york.gov.uk/free-school-meals/york-hungry-minds

You can find out more about how to make donations to support York’s free school meals pilots at Two Ridings Community Foundation.