Government Unveils Free School Meals Expansion To Support Struggling Families

Over half a million children across England are set to benefit from a free, nutritious meal every school day under a landmark expansion of the government’s free school meals scheme, announced as part of its wider Plan for Change.

From the start of the 2026 school year, every child in a household receiving Universal Credit will be newly entitled to free school meals. The move is expected to save families around £500 per child, per year, and marks a significant reversal of previous eligibility rules, which limited support to households earning under £7,400 annually.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the policy as “a truly historic moment for our country”, adding: “Working parents across the country are working tirelessly to provide for their families but are being held back by cost-of-living pressures. Feeding more children every day, for free, is one of the biggest interventions we can make to put more money in parents’ pockets, tackle the stain of poverty, and set children up to learn.”

The change will lift an estimated 100,000 children out of poverty and is designed to support the most financially vulnerable families. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson called it a “giant step” toward ending child poverty: “From free school meals to free breakfast clubs, breaking the cycle of child poverty is at the heart of our Plan for Change to cut the unfair link between background and success.”

The announcement comes ahead of the Child Poverty Taskforce’s ten-year strategy, due later this year, and complements wider support initiatives including expanded childcare, minimum wage increases, and a cap on branded school uniform items.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the new entitlement was vital:

“By expanding Free School Meals to all families on Universal Credit, we’re ending the impossible choice thousands of our hardest grafting families must make between paying bills and feeding their children.”

The rollout will include all education settings currently delivering free school meals, with applications expected to open before the 2026 school year.

The initiative was welcomed by campaigners. Nick Harrison, CEO of the Sutton Trust, said:

“This is a significant step towards taking hunger out of the classroom. Children can’t learn effectively when hungry.”

Kate Anstey, head of education policy at Child Poverty Action Group, added:

“This is fantastic news and a game-changer for children and families. At last more kids will get the food they need to learn and thrive.”

In parallel, the government is investing £13 million in 12 food charities through its Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate scheme, ensuring fresh produce reaches communities in need.

Revised School Food Standards are also in development to guarantee nutritional quality and ensure schools are supported with the latest dietary guidance.

This sweeping reform is part of a broader effort to break the link between background and opportunity, ensuring every child has the best start in life.