We need to find a solution for free school meals - not a sticking plaster - the YEP says

Today marks the first day of the half term holidays.
Headteachers and restaurants are working to try and ensure that our city’s most vulnerable youngsters will be fed this half-term.  Picture: ShutterstockHeadteachers and restaurants are working to try and ensure that our city’s most vulnerable youngsters will be fed this half-term.  Picture: Shutterstock
Headteachers and restaurants are working to try and ensure that our city’s most vulnerable youngsters will be fed this half-term. Picture: Shutterstock

But as teachers said farewell to their young pupils yesterday, there was a sense of uncertainty about whether they will be left to go hungry.

Yet despite the Government and three of our own MPs turning their backs on extending free school meals into the holidays, Leeds showed its compassion.

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Headteachers and restaurants are working to try and ensure that our city’s most vulnerable youngsters will be fed this half-term.

Leeds City Council has also pledged to use cash from its Healthy Holidays scheme in the hardest hit areas - but the scheme is not big enough to deal with the full scale of children needing support.

But all of this is just a sticking plaster.

We need tangible action to look at how we can get a grip on this once and for all.

This isn’t about politics - this runs far deeper. It’s about doing what is right for those who need our help the most.

And those tiny voices need us more than ever.

A message from the Editor:

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