Over 4,300 Jewish children attending state-funded primary schools across London are set to benefit from free kosher meals as the new school term commences, according to

recent data released by City Hall.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, responded to the pressing issue of rising living costs by announcing an unprecedented £135 million allocation for free school meals in the upcoming academic year.

In light of the increased expenses associated with providing kosher meals, Mayor Khan augmented funding by £3.50 per meal for Key Stage 2 pupils (ages 7 to 11) in 25 Jewish schools, amounting to around £4 million. This elevation signifies an 85 pence increase from the standard £2.65p allocated for non-kosher lunches for Key Stage Two students.

The Mayor's initiative stems from a YouGov poll that disclosed nearly half (48%) of parents or guardians with children aged between five and 11 have been purchasing fewer essentials due to financial constraints.

Andrew Gilbert, co-chair of the London Jewish Forum, engaged in discussions with the Mayor to address the heightened costs of providing kosher meals in schools. He highlighted the significant impact of the additional 85p per kosher meal funding, stating it "makes a huge difference" in Jewish primary schools across the capital.

In collaboration with communal leaders, including Rabbi Joel Sager of Pardes House Primary School, representatives from various organizations such as the United Synagogue and Partnerships for Jewish Schools (PaJeS), Gilbert was involved in extensive discussions spanning three months.

Rabbi Meyer OBE, Chief Executive of PaJeS, lauded the Mayor's visionary free school meals initiative as a testament to an inclusive and compassionate society. He commended the Mayor for recognizing the dietary needs of minority communities, including the Jewish community, amidst challenging economic circumstances.

Mayor Khan expressed his commitment to supporting families during the current cost-of-living crisis, citing personal experience with the significance of free school meals. He applauded the unprecedented funding that will benefit hundreds of thousands of children across London, ensuring access to nourishing meals.

Stephanie Slater, Chief Executive of School Food Matters, acclaimed London's leadership in facilitating stigma-free access to nutritious meals for children. She urged the government to follow suit and expand free school meal provisions, underlining the importance of prioritizing children's well-being.

As the new school year begins, Mayor Khan's initiative aims to alleviate financial pressures on families and enhance children's access to wholesome meals. Photo by Philafrenzy, Wikimedia commons.