P-05-1140 Revise the guidance for Free School Meals, removing the option for delivery of food parcels
P-05-1140 Revise the guidance for Free School Meals, removing the option for delivery of food parcels
This
petition was submitted by Sarah Rees, having collected a total of 205
signatures.
Text of Petition:
Awful images of English
food parcels have been circulated, resulting in Westminster committing to
provide vouchers for all. In Wales there are still 3 Councils handing out food
parcels. Families have shared images of parcels where there is little choice,
not meeting dietary requirements and reports of mouldy fresh produce. Some
parents are missing deliveries due to work, leaving children hungry.
I know the stigma of FSM,
it's time to empower families to choose what their children eat.
Additional Information:
The guidance that best
supports families is to commit to BACS payments as default, with the provision
of vouchers where requested.
The Bevan Foundation
recommends all local authorities should provide cash payments to avoid problems
with the quality and quantity of food in food parcels as well as stigma.
The Child Poverty Action
Group outline why cash first:
* Cash gives people
dignity by removing the stigma that often comes with using in-kind support or
vouchers
* Cash payments provide
choice and control by enabling families to use support in a way that works best
for them, enabling them to meet the multiple needs that they have.
* Cash is the preferred
option for most low-income families.
* Cash removes the complex
or expensive arrangements with suppliers of in-kind support.
* Cash payments allow
families better value for money
* Boost to the local
economy as more likely spent with local, independent retailers, rather than
supermarkets.
This petition was considered completed by
the Petitions Committee at its meeting on 20/09/2021.
The Committee noted that
whilst the petition raised an important issue, children have returned to school
since April 2021. Members therefore agreed to write to the Minister for
Education and Welsh Language, asking that he note the issues raised in the
petition as part of the review currently being conducted into the eligibility
criteria of free school meals. In doing so the Committee agreed to close the
petition and thank the petitioner.
Full details of the
consideration of this petition by the Committee and related documents can be
seen on the Meetings tab above.
It was first considered
by the Petitions Committee on 16/03/2021.
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Business type: Petition
Reason considered: Senedd Business;
Status: For consideration
First published: 02/03/2021