Ongoing challenges, including the rising cost of living, have left many low-income families to become increasingly reliant on Free School Meals (FSM).

Free School Meals in 2026

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Working parents across the country are working tirelessly to provide for their families but are being held back by cost-of-living pressures.”

In response, the government has announced that from the start of the 2026 school year, every pupil whose household is on Universal Credit will have a new entitlement to FSM. This will make life easier and more affordable for parents who struggle the most, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change to break down barriers to opportunity and give children the best start in life.

The change is expected to benefit over half a million children, and will save families around £500 annually, consequently lifting 100,000 children out of poverty. It is believed that the expansion on eligibility will help to lift 100,000 children across England completely out of poverty.

Giving children access to a nutritious meal during the school day also leads to higher attainment, improved behaviour and better outcomes – meaning they get the best possible education and chance to succeed in work and life.

It has been announced, that to ensure that the policy is accessible and effective, parents will only need to provide their National Insurance number to check eligibility. The Government expects that the majority of schools will allow parents to apply before the start of the school year 2026.

£13 Million Funding Boost to Food Charities

In other news, the Government has announced that it is also offering more than £13 million in funding to 12 food charities across England to redistribute thousands of tonnes of fresh produce directly from farms to fight food poverty in communities.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “This expansion is a truly historic moment for our country, helping families who need it most and delivering our Plan for Change to give every child, no matter their background, the same chance to succeed.”

Research from Children & Young People Now shows that tackling child poverty alone could prevent almost 5,000 children from entering care over the next decade. Integrating public health and prevention is crucial for improving health outcomes, addressing the root causes of illness, and promoting health equity.

Next steps

While this marks a promising step forward, there is still more to be done to ensure every child has the best possible start in life. Explore the whitepaper to learn more.

Read our news & blogs for the latest updates and insights.