All pupils in England with families on Universal Credit will qualify for free school meals starting the 2026/27 academic year, benefiting over half a million children and potentially lifting 100,000 out of poverty. This initiative comes amid rising eligibility, with 2.1 million pupils (24.6%) on free meals as of January 2024, an increase driven by the ongoing cost of living crisis. While the government views this as a significant step towards addressing child poverty, some advocate for broader access to ensure all children receive nutritious meals.
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