Thousands of Weston children to benefit from free school meals policy shift

Over half a million more children are to get free school meals thanks to new government action – with up to 2000 children set to benefit in Weston-super-Mare

Over half a million more children nationally will benefit from a free nutritious school meal each day thanks to a landmark expansion of the free school meals programme including 2000 children in Weston-super-Mare, who are expected to become newly eligible under the government’s updated rules.

From the start of the 2026 school year, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will automatically qualify for free school meals, removing a major financial burden on families and helping tackle food insecurity. For parents in Weston, this could mean savings of up to £500 per child per year.

This move is part of the government’s Plan for Change, aimed at breaking down barriers to opportunity and reducing the link between background and life chances.

In Weston-super-Mare, where many families face rising living costs and are balancing tight budgets, this announcement offers meaningful relief and long-term benefit to children’s wellbeing and educational outcomes.

Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston-super-Mare, said: "“This is a huge win for children and families across Weston. I’ve spoken with so many parents who are doing everything they can but still struggling to make ends meet. Ensuring every child has access to a healthy meal at school not only helps with the weekly budget – it supports learning, concentration and wellbeing. I’m proud to back this policy and will continue working to ensure families in Weston get the support they need.”

Until now, only children in households earning below £7,400 annually were eligible for free school meals – a threshold that excluded many low-income working families. By aligning eligibility with Universal Credit, the new policy will address this gap and provide vital support to families working hard but struggling to keep up with rising costs.

In addition to this expansion, the government is also providing £13 million to prevent edible food from going to waste, instead getting it to families in need – including schoolchildren in towns like Weston-super-Mare.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “From free school meals to breakfast clubs, breaking the cycle of child poverty is at the heart of our Plan for Change. For children in Weston and across the country, this change means healthier diets, better concentration in class and a fairer start in life.”

Local authorities and schools in Weston-super-Mare will be supported to roll out the new eligibility smoothly, with applications expected to open ahead of the 2026 start date. Families will be able to check eligibility using a simple National Insurance number check.

The expansion of free school meals complements other major actions being taken to support families, including:

· Expanding 30 hours of free childcare to more working parents

· Increasing the national minimum wage

· Introducing a Fair Repayment Rate to reduce Universal Credit deduction burdens

This policy marks a major step forward in the government delivering on their promise to cut the link between background and opportunity, with real benefits for children and families in Weston-super-Mare and beyond.