A scheme to pilot free school meals for children in York has been rolled out to a second school.
A pilot providing free breakfasts to children at Burton Green Primary School, York, started last week (29 January) and is already proving popular.
Funded thanks to donations to the York Community Fund’s York Hungry Minds Appeal, the breakfasts are helping children to transition calmly from home to school and have a positive impact on attendance says headteacher Ash McGann.
The pilot has been made possible thanks to significant donations to the appeal from the Persimmon Charitable Foundation and the Sylvia and Colin Shepherd Charitable Trust.
A pilot providing free school lunches to Key Stage 2 children (Years 3-6) is also underway at Westfield Community Primary School.
This runs from January to December, and is being funded by City of York Council as part of its commitment to work towards York becoming an anti-poverty city.
Council leader Cllr Claire Douglas said: “The start of this second pilot is a real milestone, and has been made possible thanks to some truly generous and hugely important donations from partner organisations.”
Council executive member for children, young people and education Cllr Bob Webb said: “We know that these measures can make a difference to young people, in terms of attendance, attention to learning and in terms of physical and mental wellbeing.
“And while there is more to do to make this happen in all of our schools, the start of the second free school meal pilot in York is a significant step in the right direction. I’m thankful to all our partners who’ve been involved in making this possible.”
Anyone wishing to donate funding to support the free school meals pilot should go to the York Community Fund York Hungry Mind Appeal.
It’s partnership between City of York Council and Two Ridings Community Foundation.
