Two Irvine school children left letters on Humza Yousaf's desk in the Scottish Parliamentary Chamber to emphasise how important free meals at school are.
Woodlands Primary students Rosie McAllister, 11, and Ava Young, 12, attended Scottish Parliament at Holyrood on May 11, along with other children, teachers, politicians and campaigners to urge Prime Minister to extend free meals for every child in the school.
The event was organised by the STUC, who have warned thousands of children have been plunged into poverty by the cost-of-living crisis.
Rosie said: “It was exciting coming to parliament and we just wanted to let the First Minister know how important we think it is to give all children free meals in school. It would be a way of making sure all pupils are healthy and happy and it would be a really good thing for him to do.”
Rosie left a letter on Humza Yousaf's desk which said: "Dear First Minister I think school meals should be free for all children all over."
Followed by Ava's letter which said: "Dear First Minister I would like to have free school meals for everyone from everywhere in the world."
Free school meals are a lifeline for millions of families across the UK, guaranteeing the children a hot and nutritious meal five days a week.
Primary one to five pupils already receive free meals but Yousaf is under pressure to make good on a vow to extend that to primary six and seven, as well as running a pilot in secondaries.
Louise McPhater, a North Ayrshire labour councillor and a manager at the Vineburgh Community Centre in Irvine where Rosie and Ava attend a drama class, said: “It was brilliant for all the children to come through to the Scottish Parliament – they were so excited and they loved the whole experience.
“Rosie and Ava were keen to get involved and, when they were shown around the debating chamber, they decided to leave a letter for the First Minister on his desk. It was just a bit of fun but there is a really serious message behind this. Teachers and children can see first-hand in schools that many families are really struggling.
“Free school meals would be a great way of making sure every pupil, irrespective of their family background, are not in school struggling through hunger.
“I really hope Humza Yousaf reads the letters left for him and takes them on board and takes action on this. If he wants to tackle poverty, this is the perfect way to do it.”
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