Faith leaders and communities across Wigan, Liverpool and the UK are calling for free school meals to be extended to every primary school child.
The campaign, led by Church Wigan, comes as delegates arrive in Liverpool for the Labour Party Conference. Organisers say the action aims to highlight children who continue to miss out on a hot school meal and the financial pressures facing families.
The Government extended free school meals this school year to children with a parent or carer receiving Universal Credit, but campaigners say families above the eligibility threshold remain under pressure from rising food costs.
The Office for National Statistics says food prices rose by 30.1% between April 2022 and July 2026.
Andy Burnham previously backed the National Education Union's call for Free School Meals for All as Mayor of Greater Manchester but campaigners are now calling on him to deliver the policy as Prime Minister.
Rev Sandra Jones, of Church Wigan, said: T"here are many challenges facing the Government, but sorting Free School Meals should not be one. It’s about giving every child an equal start, an equal chance.
“I am organising this action because I see the parents in my parish who are doing their best but still struggle to afford healthy food. Children who are too young to know so much about family finances.”
“Change begins in our communities - and prayer is a powerful place to start.”
The Bishop of Warrington, Rt Rev Simon Robinson, said: “The Diocese of Liverpool is proud to support Rev Sandra in her initiative. Child hunger is a moral stain on our country. Free School Meals for All would draw a line under it in our schools. That should be reason enough.”
