Could extending free school meals make a difference to struggling parents?

The government is facing calls to make free school meals available to everyone as parents struggle with rising living costs.

According to the National Education Union (NEU), nearly one in three parents (31%) have had to cut the size of their food shop since the start of the school year.

Meanwhile, the same number have reduced the variety of food they buy, and almost one in ten (8%) are skipping meals so they’re children can eat.

Government urged to go further with free school meal plans

Help for many struggling families is on the way, as from September 2026, every pupil whose parents get universal credit will be entitled to free school meals.

But the NEA is warning that parents who aren’t on universal credit are among those making tough choices.

In fact, almost a third (28%) of those not claiming any support are still reducing the variety of food they buy each week, and a similar number (27%) are buying less food.

The NEA says this suggests the government’s plan to extend free school meals “will not go far enough in tackling the cost-of-living crisis for many families”.

Parents want all primary school children to get free school meals

Going further with free school meal provision would certainly be a popular move.

NEA research found that nearly nine in ten (89%) parents back offering free school meals to all primary school pupils.

Nearly six in ten (57%) said the move would have a positive impact on their family finances, while almost half (45%) said it would potentially boost their mental wellbeing.

“With the cost-of-living crisis showing no sign of ending, more families are struggling to make ends meet,” said NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede.

“Putting food on the table is one of the biggest challenges of all. 

"That is why, if this government is committed to giving every child the education they deserve, it must build on the progress it has already made in dismantling the two-child limit and expanding free school meals to half a million children in families in receipt of universal credit from September.”  

Can your child get free school meals?

Your child could get free school meals if you get benefits including:

• income support
• income-based jobseeker’s allowance
• income-related employment and support allowance
• support under part VI of the immigration and asylum act 1999
• the guaranteed element of pension credit
• child tax credit (provided you’re not also entitled to working tax credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• working tax credit run-on - paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for working tax credit
• universal credit - your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get) – this cap will be removed in September 

Also, households with kids who qualify for benefits-related free school meals may be eligible for holiday food vouchers to help low-income families through the school holidays.

How to apply for free school meals

If you’re not sure whether your child qualifies for free school meals, then get in touch with your local council directly. 

In most areas, you can apply through your local authority’s website, which you can find at www.gov.uk.

You can also speak to Citizens Advice or your school if you need extra financial support.

Check if you’re missing out on any other benefits

It could also be worth finding out if you’re missing out on any support you might be eligible to get.

Get in touch to see what benefits you’re entitled to or try out our benefits calculator.