Skip to main content
Free school meals: vouchers are not good enough
Those in need deserve straight cash to feed their kids, without judgement and without strings attached, says MOLLIE BROWN

OVER the last week we have seen social media networks awash with pictures of the school dinner hampers that have been supplied by external catering companies to replace free school meals.

Although the contents seen in the majority of these “hampers” were a disgrace, external companies providing in school catering at mass profits in not a new occurrence. The privatisation of education and services within the sector including academisation has been increasing at a tremendous rate. Huge companies are making a profit from your child attending school, in many cases at the detriment of the children.

Following the outrage, the government has made another U-turn and replaced the hampers with vouchers — welcomed by many — but I say it is simply no where near enough.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
PAST INFORMS PRESENT: The Slavery Memorial in Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania, at the site of the former East African slave market was designed by Swedish artist Clara Sornas in 1998 / Pic: Kevin Harber/Flickr/CC
Features / 8 July 2026
8 July 2026

With the centenary of the UN Slavery Convention upon us, ROGER McKENZIE argues much needs to be done to rid us of all its contemporary manifestations

Coins in a Saltire purse
Features / 7 May 2026
7 May 2026

Years of underfunding are eroding Scotland’s local services and deepening inequality in communities, says VINCE MILLS

General view of the Job Centre Plus on Benalder St in Glasgow
Economy / 21 March 2026
21 March 2026

PHILIP ENGLISH says military spending will not create the jobs young people need — instead, build an economy based around needs, not profit

Residents walk through Santa Cruz, Jamaica on Wednesday after Hurricane Melissa passed
Features / 1 November 2025
1 November 2025

Hurricanes might have natural causes but the tragedy that follows is entirely human-made and a consequence of capitalist greed, asserts ROGER McKENZIE