International School Meals Day is on Thursday 13th March 2025. 

 

Free School Meals: A Win-Win for Families and Schools

International School Meals Day is the perfect opportunity to highlight the importance of nutritious school meals for children and the benefits they bring to both families and schools. 

Free school meals are available to eligible families, ensuring that every child has access to healthy, balanced meals during the school day. Signing up for free school meals not only supports your child’s healthy eating habits but also benefits the school through extra government funding (pupil premium). This funding can be used to improve educational resources, facilities, and overall school environment.

 

How are Free School Meals different to Universal Infant Free School Meals?

Universal Infant Free School Meals are provided to all children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2, regardless of their family’s income. However, if your child is eligible for free school meals, it is crucial to sign up even if they are receiving universal infant free school meals. By doing so, schools can claim additional government funding, directly benefiting the entire school community.

 

How to check if you can get Free School Meals

You can check if you are entitled to free school meals by visiting your local authority’s website or contacting the school directly.

If your family receives financial support, such as:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (with certain conditions)
• **Universal Credit (with certain conditions)

Then you could be eligible for free school meals. 

Parents can check if they are entitled to free school meals by visiting their local authority’s website or contacting their school directly. The process is straightforward and confidential, ensuring that families can access the support they need without any hassle.

To check your eligibility, visit: Apply for free school meals - GOV.UK

 

Additional benefits

Free school meals provide a range of benefits for children and families:

• Academic Performance: Better nutrition leads to improved concentration and learning.
• Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme: HAF provides healthy food and fun activities during some of the school holidays.
• Discounts on uniforms and trips.
• Household Support Fund: Food vouchers may be available.

 

Dispelling Myths

• My child will be identified and singled out as being on free school meals: This is not true. Schools have systems in place to ensure that all children receive their meals discreetly, without any indication of their eligibility status.
• My child has unique preferences and dietary needs: School meals are designed to be nutritious and balanced, offering a wide variety of choices to cater to different tastes. Menu options can include both hot and cold options, such as sandwiches, and we can accommodate most dietary and religious requirements. We encourage you to check with your school for full details on meal offerings.
• My child doesn't want school lunches every day: Schools offer flexible booking options for school meals. You can choose to book meals for every day of the week or select specific days that suit your child’s preferences and schedule. This way, you can tailor the meal plan to best meet your family’s needs.

 

If you have any further questions about your eligibility for free school meals or need assistance with the application or meal booking process, please contact your school.