What's happened
Health experts in the UK are urging the government to implement free school meals for all primary school children. They cite rising child poverty and health issues, including obesity and tooth decay, as critical reasons for this initiative. The call comes amid a worsening cost of living crisis affecting children's nutrition.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Mirror, health experts, including the British Dental Association, have highlighted the urgent need for free school meals, stating, "Every day, we see the devastating impact of poor diet and food scarcity on the health of our children." The Guardian echoes this sentiment, noting that one in five parents report their children's health has suffered due to the cost of living crisis. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health emphasizes that tooth decay is the most common operation for children in the UK, largely attributed to poor diet. These sources collectively underscore the critical need for policy changes to address child health and nutrition.
How we got here
The UK is facing a significant rise in child poverty, with nearly four million children affected. Health professionals have observed a decline in children's health, linking it to poor nutrition and inadequate access to healthy food. This has prompted calls for universal free school meals.
Common question
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Why are experts demanding free school meals for all children in the UK?
As child poverty rises in the UK, health experts are calling for the government to implement free school meals for all primary school children. This initiative aims to combat the negative health impacts associated with poor nutrition and food scarcity. Below are some common questions regarding this pressing issue.
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