To: Bridget Phillipson, MP for Houghton and Sunderland South
From: [Your Name]

Dear Bridget Phillipson MP,

Child hunger is an epidemic in our schools.

Last year, 4.3 million children across the country were living in poverty. Many did not have access to nutritious and balanced meals, or were having to skip meals entirely.

In the North East, where 1 in 3 children live in poverty — a hot school dinner might be the only square meal some children get in a day.

This crisis is only getting worse — and it’s affecting an increasing number of children in our constituency’s ability to succeed in school and life.

I am writing to urge you to back Free School Meals for All so that every child in the North East, including our constituency of Houghton and Sunderland South, is guaranteed at least one hot, healthy dinner, every day.

The evidence is clear: Free School Meals for All works. Just look at London’s rollout—families say it's eased their finances, helped their children try new foods, and boosted focus in class.

Expanding this beyond the capital would mean that every child, no matter their postcode, has the essentials to thrive.

Right now, for the first three years of school, every child in England gets a hot school dinner, and no child under seven wants for food while they’re at school.

But from Year 3 on, thousands of children as young as 7 are missing out on a healthy dinner at school.

The call to extend Free School Meals for All is loud and growing. Over 300 organisations across civil society — including public health experts, trade unions, faith leaders and public figures — agree that a good education stretches from the classroom to the canteen.

Wales was the first nation in the UK to deliver Free School Meals for All. Scotland has rolled this out for pupils up to age 10. London has extended this for every child in primary school for good.

It is time for the Government to do this for children in every corner of England.

As Secretary of State for Education, you have said that there is no challenge more crucial than tackling the scourge of child poverty.

Free School Meals for All would go a long way towards addressing this, ensuring that every child gets to flourish, no matter where they live.

Bridget Phillipson MP, will you back Free School Meals for every child in primary school?

Children in the North East can’t wait any longer.

Yours sincerely,‍