Free School Meals
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps to review the level of funding provided to schools for free school meals ahead of the implementation of the proposed changes to school food standards.
Answered by Department for Education
This government is committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity and tackling child poverty. We are investing over £1 billion across the Spending Review period to deliver the expansion of free school meals (FSM) from September 2026, providing new funding beyond existing school budgets.
We recognise the pressures that some schools and suppliers may face due to rising costs. The department is working closely with the sector to support the deliverability of the FSM expansion and the implementation of updated School Food Standards.
Mainstream schools will also receive additional funding through the FSM expansion grant during the 2026 to 2027 academic year, providing support until the lagged funding system reflects increased eligibility. As with all programmes, the department continues to keep funding arrangements for FSM under review.
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