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Campaigners hail free school meals expansion as 'significant step' in tackling child poverty

2 mins read Health Education Early Years
Child poverty campaigners have welcomed the government’s decision to extend eligibility for free school meals to half a million more children next year.
Wraparound care could suffer due to the Covid-19 pandemic, local authorities have warned. Picture: Adobe Stock
Under the government's plans, 500,000 more children will be eligible for free school meals. Picture: AdobeStock

From September 2026, every primary and secondary student whose household is on universal credit will have a new entitlement to free school meals.

Currently, children have only been eligible for free school meals if their household income is less than £7,400 per year – just £142 a week – before benefits.

The government says the change will lift 100,000 children out of poverty by saving parents around £500 each year in food costs and could help improve student behaviour and attainment.

Nick Harrison, chief executive of the Sutton Trust, called the move a “significant step” towards tackling classroom hunger.

He said: “Children can’t learn effectively when hungry, so this announcement not only helps to tackle the effects of child poverty but will also likely help improve education outcomes for disadvantaged young people.”

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