Don’t qualify for free school meals? Your kid might still be able to get a free lunch

One council is rolling out a plan to provide free school meals to even more primary school-aged children in until March 2025.

The initiative aims to support families who may not quite meet the eligibility criteria for free meals, but still need a helping hand.

What’s the deal?

Each primary school in South Tyneside has been given a generous pot of £2,500 through the household support fund (HSF) to help struggling families who don’t qualify for free school meals.

The money is ring-fenced, so it’ll only be used to pay for kids’ lunches.

There’s no eligibility criteria, so schools have the freedom to decide which families will benefit.

Why this matters

Letting schoolchildren go hungry is a human rights issue and also keeps them trapped in poverty.

Hungry kids struggle to focus in class, making it harder for those from low-income families to reach their full potential.

It’s why we want to see free school meals for all primary school children.

Tracey Dixon, the leader of the council, says food poverty is a real issue in the borough and schools have the best knowledge to identify where the money will make the biggest difference.

“This is about targeting our support at those that need it the most,” Dixon adds.

Support beyond meals

Schools will also receive 'cost-of-living' advice leaflets to help families find additional support, so that no one feels alone during tough times.

South Tyneside council has also received further funding to work with 8-10 schools to lower costs for families even more. An audit in the spring and summer terms will help schools find ways to improve.

This follows a pilot project with three schools in the autumn. The goal is to raise awareness, recommend solutions and guide families to available support.

How you can benefit

Check with your child's school about the programme and keep an eye out for the support leaflets.

It also might be worth checking your child isn’t missing out on free school meals.

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

If you’re not sure what support you might be eligible for, it’s worth contacting your local council directly.

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