Summary
Starting September 2026, all children in England whose parents receive Universal Credit can get free school meals. This change will include 500,000 more children and will help families save money. The government has allocated £1 billion for this program, and additional funds will support food charities.
Key Facts
- From September 2026, children in families receiving Universal Credit can get free school meals in England.
- The program will reach about 500,000 more children than before.
- Currently, only families earning less than £7,400 a year qualify, but the new rule removes the income cap.
- The government has allocated £1 billion to fund this initiative until 2029.
- An extra £13 million is pledged to food charities to reduce food waste and fight food poverty.
- Ministers claim this change may help 100,000 children escape poverty and save families £500 a year.
- The move has been positively received by education and child poverty organizations.
- The decision is part of broader efforts to address child poverty, and the government is also considering changes to the two-child benefit cap.
