London’s Deputy Mayor for Children and Families, Joanne McCartney, has praised the “historic impact” of the Mayor of London’s Universal Free School Meals scheme during a visit to Grange Primary School in Ealing on Tuesday (7 October 2025).
Joined by Ealing and Hillingdon Assembly Member Bassam Mahfouz, Ms McCartney met pupils in the school’s gardening club, where children learn about sustainable eating – from growing fruit and vegetables to preparing nutritious meals. She also spoke with teachers and catering staff about how the Mayor’s flagship programme is improving children’s health, wellbeing and learning outcomes.
The special visit also saw local MP for Ealing Central & Acton Dr Rupa Huq and Ealing Council leader Councillor Peter Mason visit the school alongside Ms McCartney and Mr Mahfouz.
Since its launch in 2023, more than four million free lunches have been served across Ealing’s state primary schools. The initiative, which provides every pupil with a hot, healthy meal each day, is estimated to save families up to £500 per child each year, offering vital financial relief amid the cost of living crisis.
An independent evaluation by Impact on Urban Health found that universal free school meals have eased financial pressures on households, improved children’s nutrition and strengthened school communities across London.
Ms McCartney said: “It was wonderful to see how the Mayor’s unprecedented funding is making a real difference to children and families in Ealing. It’s inspiring to see young Londoners learning where their food comes from, and how schools are embedding healthy, sustainable eating into everyday life.”
Mr Mahfouz told EALING.NEWS: “A third year of free school lunches under the Mayor is having a transformative impact on children across the borough. Teachers tell me it helps pupils concentrate, removes stigma, and, for too many, provides their only hot meal of the day. For families, it’s been a vital lifeline, saving them precious pounds that can be spent on other costs to support their children.
“Grange is doing incredible work to give every child the best start in life, which was so evident as we walked around the school, and I know free breakfast clubs will be warmly welcomed as the government looks to roll them out – building on the success we’ve already achieved.”
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