Under the plans, the local authority will auto-enrol eligible families to receive free school meals at the start of reception year instead of having to opt in.
It will launch the process for across the city in January 2025.
In Newcastle, over 40% of school children (more than 18,000 pupils) are already entitled to free school meals.
The council said auto-enrolment will maximise registration and ensure all eligible children receive the support they need.
Councillor Lesley Storey, cabinet member for children and families, Newcastle City Council said: “It is a priority for us to ensure that every eligible child is registered for free school meals.
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