Zain Malik has written an open letter to the new UK Prime Minister Rishi Singh, urging the government to provide free school meals for all children living in poverty.
In his heartfelt letter, the former One Direction member has asked the Prime Minister to “act in good conscience” and fund free school meals for children living in poverty by the November 17 budget deadline.
Malik, 29, who grew up in Bradford, revealed the issue was close to his heart as he too “used to rely on free school meals.”
“I know what this shame feels like, I’ve seen it first hand, I’ve personally experienced the stigma surrounding food insecurity,” the Night Changes singer shared in his letter.
“My hope is that by writing this letter we can all ensure that no child ever again has to face this hunger and squalor because my experience is not unique; it is a struggle that England is facing. “A lot of kids are going through this time sadly.”
Malik, who welcomed daughter Khai with ex Gigi Hadid in 2020, highlighted the importance of taking care of family. “Knowing that their children are getting a good lunch at school can be a huge relief to struggling parents,” she wrote.
“No parent should have to make impossible decisions like whether to buy food, turn on the heating, or go into debt,” she added.
“Free school meals are a huge help to the poorest children in our society and guarantee a reliable hot, nutritious lunch every day at school,” Malik added. So that children can thrive instead of worrying about where their next meal is going to come from.”
