Green and Independent Alliance (GAIA) councillors in Worthing have called for the immediate return of the scheme, which supported children eligible for free school meals. Their call came via amendments to a motion on universal free school meals at a Worthing Borough Council meeting. She warned that food insecurity continues during school holidays and described West Sussex County Council’s decision to end the vouchers as 'hugely disappointing.' GAIA councillors highlighted that around three million children nationally are at risk of hunger during school breaks, and families could face up to £40 in additional weekly costs per child without the vouchers. They also called for universal free school meals to be extended to secondary pupils and urged the Government to fully fund teacher pay rises.