Massive rise in Rotherham kids eligible for free meals

The increase from 6,896 to 11,621 — or 68 per cent — is the biggest seen across South Yorkshire, according to figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.

During the same period, Sheffield saw a 44 per cent increase and Barnsley saw a 57 per cent hike.

Doncaster’s figure increased from 8,252 in 2018 to 12,037 in 2022 – a rise of 55 per cent.

In total, the number of pupils in South Yorkshire in receipt of free school meals has risen from 37,998 to 57,457 — a rise of 51 per cent.

Rotherham Council has been funding £15 supermarket vouchers in the school holidays for pupils on free school meals since October 2020.

A further £1.4 million to extend the scheme has been funded by the Household Support Fund, which was extended by the government through 2022/23 to help councils support those most in need.

Cllr Victoria Cusworth, cabinet member for children and young people at RMBC, said: “Increasing food, fuel and energy prices are hitting many local families hard and we hope continuing this scheme will provide some respite and reassurance to people facing the choice between eating and heating.

“It’s in everyone’s interest that all Rotherham’s children are well-fed, able to learn and engage in school and live their lives to the full.

“Because free school meals are means-tested, we know this support is going to the families who need it the most, and in many cases those who were impacted the most by the cruel cut to Universal Credit imposed last year.”

John Healey, MP for Wentworth & Dearne, added:  “These figures show the need for free school meals is soaring.

“The cost of living crisis is really hurting families and decisions made in Downing Street – like cuts to Universal Credit, lack of help with bigger energy bills and punishing tax rises – are pushing more working people to the brink.

“Thank goodness schools are stepping in to make sure kids are fed.”