Over half a million more children in England are set to receive free school meals thanks to a landmark announcement from the government. From September 2026, every child in a household receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to a free, nutritious meal every school day, helping families facing the cost-of-living crisis and giving more young people a fairer start in life.
This move comes alongside a wider strategy to tackle child poverty, with the government pledging more than £13 million to redistribute surplus farm produce to those in need. It’s a moment of real, tangible change, one that we at Rethink Food strongly welcome.
Nathan Atkinson, Co-founder of Rethink Food, said:
“Today’s announcement marks a truly historic moment for the wellbeing of children and families across the country. For too long, we’ve seen the devastating impact that food insecurity has on young people’s health, education and future opportunities. Expanding free school meal entitlement to all children in households receiving Universal Credit is a bold and necessary step that will lift thousands out of poverty and restore dignity to families who have been forced to make impossible choices.
We also welcome the additional investment to prevent food waste and redirect surplus produce to children and families who need it most. This is exactly the kind of joined-up thinking we need to build a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable society.
We look forward to supporting schools and communities as this new entitlement is rolled out and continuing to work towards a future where no child ever has to learn on an empty stomach.”
Read more about the announcement via the BBC: More children to get free school meals in England
At Rethink Food, we remain committed to supporting schools and communities to ensure every child has the chance to succeed. Today’s news gives us hope and even more reason to keep pushing for change.
