http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2009/may/07/children-free-school-meals

More children on free school meals

There are thousands more children on free school meals in England compared to last. This is because poor families struggle to survive in the recession.
These children get free school meals because their parents receive welfare payments or earn below £15,575 per year. The government said the rise might be because schools had kept a closer check on their records this year compared to last. Jim Knight, the schools minister, said that it was a "top priority" to ensure pupils who are eligible for free school meals receive the support they need.

Reflection

The recession has caused a lot of difficulties for many families all over the world. People that lost their jobs and have children that need money to study. It makes me sad when you think about the fact that you cannot pay for your child’s school meals. On the other hand, it is good that the government supports these families that struggle during the economic recession. But then again, in my viewing, it is their duty to take care of their citizens.