Mayor of the London borough Sir Robin Wales described government plans to scrap the proposed extension to free school meal pilots for primary pupils as "short-sighted" and has called on the coalition government to rethink its decision.
Last month, in response to a letter from former Children's Secretary Ed Balls, Gove wrote that he would not back additional free school meal pilots or the expansion of the programme into primary schools, although he would continue to examine the current pilots and consider whether they should be expanded in the future.
Speaking this week, Wales said: "Our pilot means we can make a huge difference to the lives of our pupils and their families, particularly those working hard but struggling to pay basic bills — and get some of the most deprived young people in the country healthy.
"This is a great way of both putting money in their pockets and of improving children's health and fitness."
The pilot programme has meant that almost four out of every five children now eat free school meals in Newham.
Wales added: "Research by the School Food Trust has shown that families with two children could save more than £1,000 per school year by joining the scheme, having a real impact on household incomes. That's why I'm urging the government to think again."
