Vox pop: Free school meals are 'lifesaver' for Sheffield parents

Natasha Biggin, who said she uses the scheme for her daughter, said: “I think free school meals are great, they are a lifesaver really. If I didn’t have them I wouldn’t have the cash to help her get healthy meals so I think they are a lifesaver for people that do need them.

“I had them when they shut for Covid and, again, they were a lifesaver because otherwise it’s coming out of your pocket then. If it was in the holidays it would be really helpful, you could save your money and do more things rather than thinking ‘should we buy a meal or go out’ so if they don’t it’s going to put me out of pocket as well."

Others were unhappy about the way most Conservative MPs voted.

Dora Szucs said: “I think free school meals are great, I totally agree with them. I think it’s a great opportunity for any kids who can’t have any meals.

“It’s not a good decision, it’s hard times for everybody so it’s not the right move. I understand they don’t want to spend money but they probably should do.”

Leigh Barnett said: “They should have voted for it because there are a lot of people suffering and there isn’t much money at the moment so people definitely need it.

“They need to go back to the grassroots and see how people are suffering, I think they are in their own little bubble at the moment.”

Thomas Lowson lives in Penistone and said he sent his MP Miriam Cates a letter with his views after finding out she voted against the motion.

He said: "I’m disgusted though not surprised by Conservative MPs voting against the free school meals motion.

“Their main argument is that it would encourage dependency. Perhaps so, but I’d suggest that the children are at least fed, and then we can talk to people about being more independent.

“The other argument is that these vouchers would be used for non-food items, a statement that when I’ve asked, no-one can provide hard proof for.

“Once again, the government has shown its true colours, allowing the most vulnerable to go hungry, whilst they dine on luxury meals we pay for. We’ve a government that wasted billions on a failed trace-and-test system, millions on unusable PPE and ferries that don’t exist, and yet feeding children is apparently a step too far. We’re one of the wealthiest nations on Earth, and yet our government refuses to help children. It’s no wonder why foodbanks are on the rise.”

But not all out in the city centre thought the same. Jane Swift said the scheme should not run on a voucher system.

She said: “Most people were trying to sell the vouchers last time just to get money. If they made packed lunches up and fetched them then yeah. At our school they made a box of stuff up and hardly anybody picked them up but when the vouchers came they were straight up there. So I agree if they are going to make them a meal or a box up but I don’t think the vouchers work because people just sell them.”

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.