Over half a million more children to get free school meals
DfE Press Release: Over half a million more children to get free school meals
“Over half a million more children will benefit from a free nutritious meal every school day, as the government puts £500 back into parents’ pockets every year by expanding eligibility for free school meals.”
The UK government is implementing a significant expansion of free school meal eligibility, extending the benefit to over half a million more children by including all households on Universal Credit from the start of the 2026 school year. This initiative aims to provide a free nutritious meal daily, saving parents approximately £500 annually. This move is projected to lift 100,000 children in England out of poverty, improve educational attainment and behaviour, and generally enhance life outcomes. This expansion marks a substantial shift from the previous eligibility criteria, which limited free school meals to households earning less than £7,400 per year, leaving many impoverished children without access.
This policy is a core component of the government’s “Plan for Change” and precedes the Child Poverty Taskforce’s ten-year strategy. It complements existing measures to ease the cost-of-living crisis, such as raising the national minimum wage, uprating benefits, and supporting families through the Fair Repayment Rate on Universal Credit deductions. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasise that this expansion is a “historic moment” aimed at tackling child poverty, ensuring children have the best start in life regardless of their background, and putting money back into parents’ pockets.
Beyond free school meals, the government is investing over £13 million in 12 food charities to redistribute surplus farm produce to communities, including schools, through the “Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate” scheme. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall highlights that this initiative addresses the “moral scar” of poverty by ending the impossible choice many families face between paying bills and feeding their children. The government is also revising School Food Standards to ensure quality and nutrition.
This comprehensive approach directly addresses how poverty exacerbates mental health issues in poorer communities. When families struggle to afford basic necessities like food, the constant stress and anxiety can severely impact parental mental well-being, leading to chronic stress, depression, and feelings of hopelessness. Children in these environments are also profoundly affected; hunger not only hinders their physical development but also impairs cognitive function, leading to difficulties concentrating, learning, and engaging in school. This can result in lower academic achievement, reduced self-esteem, and increased behavioural problems, all of which are detrimental to mental health. The stigma associated with poverty and food insecurity can further isolate individuals and families, contributing to feelings of shame and inadequacy.
By providing free nutritious meals, the government is directly alleviating a significant financial burden on struggling families. This can reduce parental stress and anxiety, creating a more stable and supportive home environment. For children, consistent access to food improves their physical health, cognitive function, and academic performance. When children are well-nourished, they are better able to learn, participate in school activities, and build positive relationships, which fosters a sense of accomplishment and belonging. This in turn boosts their self-esteem and reduces the likelihood of developing mental health issues related to deprivation. The initiative also lessens the social stigma associated with hunger, allowing children to focus on their education rather than their empty stomachs. The broader strategies, such as increasing Universal Credit and tackling food surplus, further strengthen this support system, providing a holistic approach to breaking the cycle of poverty and its devastating impact on mental health within poorer communities. This intervention is a crucial step towards fostering healthier, more resilient communities where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Reported by Lily Blakeledge
The Team at The Root Of It
Read the full press release: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/over-half-a-million-more-children-to-get-free-school-meal Released 4th June 2025
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