Free School Meals

Who is eligible for free school meals?

Free school meals are available to young children and slightly older children in state schools whose families are on low incomes or who receive benefits themselves. These meals are usually only available in term time, however.

The soaring price of food is a major concern for Brits as the cost of living crisis pushes thousands of families into poverty. Free school meals are a lifeline for low-income families, making sure children are guaranteed a hot, nutritious meal five days a week.

During the pandemic, a spotlight was fixed on the UK’s FSM system. A series of scandals, a patchy voucher scheme and last minute government U-turns while schools were closed in lockdown meant many children across the country have, at times, gone without knowing where their next meal could come from.

In 2020, footballer Marcus Rashford fought alongside charities and successfully convinced the government to offer meal vouchers over the summer holidays to 1.3 million children in England.

Demand for free school meals continues to soar, with record numbers relying on the scheme. But the government is not directly funding food packages or meal vouchers over the summer holidays this year, and families will have to find alternatives to feed their children.

The free school meals scheme is crucial in the fight to stop children going hungry. Here are the basics you need to know about the system across the UK.

How many children get FSM?

Just under 1.9 million children are eligible for FSM in England, according to the latest government figures. This is 22.5 per cent of state school pupils.