Starting September 2026, all children in England from households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for Free School Meals, broadening access for families.
This transformative policy will support over 17,000 children aged 5-15 in Haringey alone, ensuring they can continue learning on a full stomach. Nationally, more than 500,000 pupils will gain access to nutritious school meals – boosting children’s health, well-being, and education.
Research has consistently shown the significant impact of school meals which often leads to better concentration, higher attendance, and improved academic performance.
Cllr Zena Brabazon, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools & Families, said:
School meals are more than just food - they’re a lifeline for many families.
This expansion means fewer children will go hungry at school, helping them thrive and reach their full potential. We are committed to providing our children in the borough with the best possible education and with this additional funding from the Government, we can strengthen that commitment.
This marks an important step in supporting families across the borough and ensuring every child has the resources they need to succeed.
The council remains committed to supporting local families and ensuring every child receives the essential care they need.
For more details on FSM eligibility and available support, visit our website.
