Discretion, dignity and choice: free school meals

Reducing poverty-related stigma to improve the uptake of free school meals is critical. The COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated how millions of families rely on school food to help make ends meet. How are free school meals delivered in different schools and what impact does that have on children? What can be done to reduce shame and stigma for children eligible for free school meals?

By Ellie Harwood

This content was last updated:01 Jun 2021

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Discretion, dignity and choice: free school meals

Issue: Issue 169 (Summer 2021)

Poverty journal

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Please be aware that welfare rights law and guidance change frequently. Older articles may be out of date.

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Child poverty and policy in the US and UK

The US is in the early stages of repurposing an old policy tool – a national child allowance – to a new end: cutting child poverty during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. How does this compare to the past and present situation for children and child benefits in the UK?

By Megan A Curran

Publication:Poverty Journal, Issue 169 (Summer 2021)

Hindrance or help? Social security and work

In-work poverty has been on the rise in the UK. Just before the pandemic hit, three-quarters of children living in poverty had at least one parent in work. What role does the social security system, and in particular universal credit, play in helping or hindering low-income working families?

By Hannah Aldridge

Publication:Poverty Journal, Issue 169 (Summer 2021)

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Discretion, dignity and choice: free school meals

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