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Ƶapp welcomes free school meals extension

News
05/06/2025

Ƶapp responds to today’s announcement that the government will extend free school meals eligibility to all children in families receiving universal credit.

From September 2026, hundreds of thousands more pupils will be guaranteed access to a hot, nutritious meal each day, removing an unjust barrier that has persisted for far too long.

Fiona Fearon, Head of Policy and Research at Ƶapp, said:

“We’re delighted the government has acted on the evidence and the lived reality in schools and trusts. Extending eligibility brings us closer to a system that is fairer, more inclusive, and truly centred on children’s needs.

This is a long-overdue change, and represents a major breakthrough in the fight against child poverty and food insecurity. It reflects what our members havebeen telling us for a long time: that no child should be too hungry to learn.

Ƶapp has been proud to stand alongside partners in the School Food Review Working Group, which has relentlessly pushed for reform to the broken eligibility system. Today’s announcement reflects years of collaboration, determination, and unwavering advocacy from a coalition committed to change.

This is a win for children, a win for families, and a win for the future. As ever, Ƶapp will continue to work with our valued partners to champion a school food system that supports every child to learn, belong and flourish.”

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