School Food Review statement on the expansion of free school meals
Issued September 2026
Today many thousands more children across England will be fuelled for learning thanks
to a free school meal. As organisations working in schools and with children, we know
this is a huge boost for children and families.
For too long, school food has been a source of stress for lower-income households,
with parents unable to afford adequate food and children distracted by hunger during
lessons. But from today, children in households receiving universal credit in England
will be entitled to a much-needed free school meal as part of the school day.
We commend the government on this substantive change that will be felt in classrooms
and households across England, igniting children’s learning and giving parents
welcome breathing space, saving them around £500 per year.
Every child deserves a happy, healthy childhood that paves the way for their future.
Hunger at school has no place in this. Today marks an important commitment to
children. Government must continue to build on this by doing more to create a great
school food system and taking steps to tackle child poverty.
Signatories
The statement has been signed by leaders from the following organisations:
https://www.schoolfoodmatters.org/sites/default/files/2026-08/SFR-FSM-expansion-joint-statement-September-2026.pdf
See also,