Zayn Malik wrote to Rishi Sunak, the prime minister of the UK to extend the November budget for free school meals that includes young people from families on universal credit. He called on the UK PM to "give all children living in poverty" a free school meal amid the cost-of-living-crisis.
Zayn, the ambassador for Food Foundation came forward to voice a cause he felt is in the best interests of the people. He felt compelled to write to Mr. Prime Minister because the singer survived his school days only because of free meals.
In his letter, the singer writes: “These children are suffering from lack of concentration, some even resorting to stealing food from school canteens because they are so hungry but can’t afford to buy lunch. They are also feeling shame, which is directly impacting their physical and mental health. I know what that shame feels like, I have seen it first-hand, as growing up in Bradford I relied on free school meals. I personally experienced the stigma surrounding food insecurity.”
“My hope is that in writing this letter we can all ensure that no child ever has to experience this hunger and stigma again as my experience is not unique; it is a struggle that many children in England are sadly going through right now,” he wrote. As part of the campaign, Malik is urging people to write to their MPs on the issue.
Zayn addressing Sunak says: “As prime minister, you have the power to change this. Please act in good conscience and commit in your budget on 17th November to giving all children living in poverty a free school meal. Children going hungry is not inevitable and should not come down to a political issue or ideology.”
Feed the Future is a campaign led by a coalition of organisations including the Food Foundation, Bite Back 2030 and Jamie Oliver Ltd. As already established, about 800,000 children who are living in poverty are not yet qualified for free school meals. Malik wrote that many parents are “already doing everything they can” and that government support is “desperately needed.”