Cancelling School Meal Debt - Aberlour Children's Charity
Aberlour is one of the largest Scottish children’s charities, helping to improve lives and build brighter futures for Scotland’s disadvantaged children and young people. At Aberlour, we know that not all children are born with an equal chance. Together, we are brave for children, young people and families and strive to overcome poverty, disadvantage and discrimination.
Our campaign persuaded the Scottish Government to write off £1.8 million school meal debt for 30,000 children in December 2023.
Aberlour funded research, conducted by Professor Morag Treanor of Heriot-Watt University, revealed that over £1 million school meal debt was owed by struggling Scottish families in June 2022. The report, based on FOIs, highlighted how families were being legally pursued for as little as £10 arrears.
In partnership with Heriot-Watt, Aberlour successfully embarked on an ambitious campaign of collaboration with The Scottish Sun, sustained political pressure and social media to encourage the Government to write off Scotland’s school meal debts.
The People's Choice Award 2024 is sponsored by HSF Health Plan
