BSPD backs Marcus Rashford campaign for free school meals

With a clear known link between dental decay and poor nutrition as well as between food insecurity and poverty, free school meals for children are a quick and easy way to support vulnerable children, they say.

Dr Claire Stevens, spokesperson for BSPD said: 'We think half-term and holiday free school meals should be extended until we fully understand the implications of the pandemic. We know that there are families struggling to make ends meet and who are unable to afford healthier, fresher foods, which may in turn lead to poor eating habits. Snacking on foods high in hidden sugar is a significant factor in dental decay.'

She added: 'Addressing hidden hunger and malnutrition should be central to society’s COVID-19 response. This year has been so hard for some families. As a society, we have an ethical duty not to stand by and let it get worse. The gap between rich and poor continues to widen. One way to combat health inequalities is to give children healthy diets to support their immune systems and reduce the risk of dental decay.