All primary school-aged children in England should be given free meals as part of the “answer” to an “epidemic that is rapidly spiralling out of control”, leading health experts have said.

The group, consisting of a range of organisations including the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the Royal Society for Public Health, Diabetes UK, the British Dental Association and the British Dietetic Association, warned that they see the “impact of poor diet and food scarcity on the health of our children and young people” every day.

In a letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, they urged the government to follow the example set in London and roll out free school meals to all pupils at state-funded primary schools across the country, saying school meals are the “healthiest option” for children.

Investing in school lunches “would ensure that no child misses out on the food they need to develop thoroughly and lead longer, healthier lives,” according to the experts.

Health experts highlight 'record levels of child poverty' in letter to government

The letter, published as part of the National Education Union’s Free School Meals For All campaign, highlights record levels of child poverty, which is driving a “crisis” in children’s mental and physical health.

“Free school meals must be part of the answer to an epidemic that is rapidly spiralling out of control,” they wrote.

“At a time when mental health services cannot meet demand, food insecurity is driving poor mental health, and the current system of means-testing free school meals is contributing to this.”

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The group also highlighted levels of obesity among youngsters, adding: “Providing free school meals for all has been shown to reduce obesity by significantly more than other bodyweight reduction interventions trialled in the UK.

“A recent study has found that providing school lunches universally reduces the prevalence of obesity by more than other interventions such as nutrition education or exercise schemes.”

A government spokesperson said: “This government has a clear mission to break down barriers to opportunity and confront child poverty. As part of this, one of our first priorities is on delivering free breakfast clubs in every primary school to make sure children start the day with a full stomach and ready to learn.

“We have launched a child poverty taskforce co-chaired by the Education Secretary and Work and Pensions Secretary, looking at longer-term actions to increase household income, bring down essential costs, and tackle the challenges felt by those living in poverty.

“This government recognises that prevention will always be better and cheaper than a cure and we are determined to tackle the levels of childhood obesity head on, easing the strain on our NHS and creating the healthiest generation of children ever.”