CYP Now - National Food Strategy calls for major extension to free school meals criteria

The current family income threshold for eligibility for free school meals (FSMs) is “too low” and should be almost trebled, according to an independent review into food policy.

Free schools meals should be significantly extended, experts say. Picture: Adobe Stock

The recommendation has been made by the National Food Strategy review as part of a raft of measures to extend the reach of FSMs to ensure the scheme reaches an extra 1.1m children in low-income families.

FSM household earnings threshold should be increased substantially from the current rate of £7,400 to £20,000, says the review.

It warns that the current income threshold “is so low that it excludes many families that are food insecure” adding that nearly half of families blighted by food insecurity do not qualify for FSMs due to the current threshold.

Children who have no recourse to public funds (NRPF), including asylum seekers, should also be eligible.

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