Tower Hamlets Council has been honored with the prestigious Group Award at the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) Excellence in School Food Awards for its groundbreaking Universal Free School Meals (UFSMs) in Secondary Schools initiative. This recognition marks a significant achievement for the council, which became the first local authority in England to offer UFSMs to all secondary school students starting in September 2023.

The UFSMs program is designed to support families amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, offering a substantial saving of £550 per year for each child while also promoting healthy eating habits among students. Early data reveals a notable increase in the number of students eligible for government-funded free school meals since the program’s inception, highlighting its positive impact on children living in poverty and its role in eliminating the stigma associated with free school meals.

The award was judged by a panel of MPs from across the country, who praised the collaborative efforts of the project team in delivering meaningful outcomes for local communities and children.

Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth, and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Maium Talukdar, expressed his gratitude and pride, saying: “I am extremely grateful to the judges for recognizing our work and proud that Tower Hamlets Council is leading the way in supporting our young people. This award is a testament to the dedication of our team, and I look forward to seeing the continued positive impact this program will have on the families in our community.”

Executive Mayor Lutfur Rahman also extended his congratulations, noting that the national recognition is well-deserved and expressing his hope that other councils will be inspired to adopt similar initiatives.