England is expanding free school meal eligibility so that every pupil whose household is on Universal Credit will qualify, according to a government announcement.
The change is due to begin at the start of the 2026 school year and is expected to bring free meals to over half a million additional children.
Ministers said the policy is meant to make support easier for families to understand and access, while ensuring children have a nutritious meal during the school day.
The announcement also pointed to related steps, including plans to revise School Food Standards and a separate fund to help charities redistribute surplus produce from farms to communities.
