The Ulster Unionist Party has tabled a motion calling on the Northern Ireland Executive to introduce a scheme to tackle “holiday hunger” during the summer months.   

Mike Nesbitt MLA said:  

“The burden of Covid19 has undoubtedly heaped extra pressure on those families who are already struggling financially.  It is important that the Executive do all that they can to continue support to those who benefit from free school meals to ensure they do not suffer any further disadvantage during the summer break.  

"Free School Meal Entitlement is a lifeline for many disadvantaged families, and logic suggests it improves the educational attainment of children who would otherwise spend the school day hungry, but there is no logic in providing meals during term-time only. If a child needs state intervention in May and June, they will need it in July and August.  

“Strikingly, Scotland, England and Wales have already said that they will continue with their support for those who receive school meals through the summer.  I would appeal to the Education Minister and the Executive to make sure that children in Northern Ireland do not miss out.”  

The wording of the UUP motion is as follows:  

That this Assembly notes the negative impact of the current public health crisis on the circumstances of thousands of families across Northern Ireland, particularly those already struggling financially; accepts that the provision of Free School Meals is a responsibility for the Department of Education during term time only; and calls on the Executive to introduce a scheme to tackle Holiday Hunger consistent with the Outcomes Based Approach of the draft Framework Programme for Government and its purpose of 'Improving wellbeing for all - by tackling disadvantage and driving economic growth'.  

Mike Nesbitt MLA 

Robbie Butler MLA