This would remove the current requirement for low-income families to apply and ensure all eligible children benefit, according to the House of Commons education committee.
Experts told the committee that language barriers and difficulty with the administration process are preventing some children receiving free schools meals, with one in 10 eligible pupils currently missing out.
“Failing to legislate for auto-enrolment would be a missed opportunity to feed hungry children at school,” said the committee.
It added: “We consider that the arguments for auto-enrolment in free school meals for those children currently eligible are conclusive.
“In the interests of alleviating hunger in schools and improving health and educational outcomes for the poorest children, auto-enrolment must be brought in without delay."
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