THE government is being urged to roll out universal free school meals, funded by taxes on the super-rich, as new research shows that a quarter of teachers are using their own money to feed hungry children.

The findings, released today, were made by School Food Matters which commissioned a poll of 10,000 teachers across England.

In the survey, one in five teachers reported that the number of children who are too hungry to learn has increased since the beginning of the academic year. 

Labour MP Ian Byrne, who has been campaigning to enshrine the right to food in law, said: “It’s scandalous that teachers are having to fork out their own money so kids in their classrooms get something to eat. 

“That tells you just how rundown the welfare state has become.

“Far from slashing social security for the poorest, this government needs to deliver the change the country is crying out for.

“It should start by rolling out free school meals for all school pupils as a part of implementing a Right To Food and pay for it by taxing the super-rich.”

Eligibility for free school meals is less restrictive in some parts of Britain than others. 

For example, children in London, Wales, and some age groups in Scotland are entitled to universal free school meals in primary education.

But in most of England, families need to earn under £7,400 after tax and excluding benefits to qualify, meaning about one million children in poverty are left without access.

Child Poverty Action Group chairman Joseph Howes said: “The government’s own statistics tell us that in every classroom of 30 children, nine will be living in poverty. 

“For these children receiving a free school lunch could mean they get a hot meal that day, that they can concentrate and learn.”

National Education Union general secretary Daniel Kebede said: “The positive benefits of free school meals have been proven through schemes already in place for primary-aged children in London, Scotland and Wales. 

“They are more engaged, and it takes pressure off parents who are trying to make ends meet. 

“It is of paramount importance, and makes good economic sense, that the government expands access to nutritious meals across the country.”

Another survey, released by Barnardo’s, polled over 2,000 parents.

It found that every week, nearly one in five have to buy unhealthy food for their children because they cannot afford healthier options.

The charity recommended that measures be introduced to increase the value of healthy shopping vouchers given to families with young children living on the lowest budgets.

It also suggested making school lunches free for all primary school children, strengthening the rules on the quality of meals that schools can provide, and using the proceeds of any future taxes on sugar or salt to reduce food insecurity.

A government spokesperson said: “We are determined to tackle the scourge of child poverty and break the unfair link between background and opportunity — and have already taken wide-ranging action despite this government’s incredibly challenging fiscal inheritance, including setting up the Child Poverty Taskforce.

“The first 750 schools will begin offering free breakfast clubs from April, backed by over £30 million investment, to boost attainment, attendance, behaviour and wellbeing.

“We are keeping our approach to free school meals under review. As with all government programmes, all future spending is subject to the Spending Review.”