Do children in food-insecure households in England access free school meals? A cross-sectional analysis of the UK Family Resources Survey.

INTRODUCTION

Food insecurity affects over one in four UK children. Free school meals (FSMs) may mitigate some adverse effects yet how well they reach food-insecure children is unclear. In September 2026, eligibility criteria will be changed but provision will not be universal. This study provides an analysis of FSM reach among food-insecure children and the potential impact of the 2026 eligibility changes.

METHODS

Data from the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 Family Resources Survey were merged, yielding 6563 children aged 8-17 in England. Household food insecurity over 30 days was assessed using a validated measure, with marginal, low and very low food security classified as food-insecure. Weighted proportions of food-insecure children not receiving FSMs were estimated. Logistic regression identified characteristics associated with food insecurity among those not receiving FSMs and non-uptake among eligible children. Projected impacts of 2026 eligibility changes were estimated under two scenarios.

RESULTS

70.6% (95% CI 68.0% to 73.2%) of food-insecure children did not receive FSMs. Among these, 80.2% (95% CI 77.5% to 82.9%) were ineligible, while 19.8% (95% CI 17.1% to 22.5%) were eligible but not taking them up. Household characteristics associated with food insecurity included black/African/Caribbean ethnicity (aOR: 2.37, 95% CI 1.64 to 3.42) and disabled members (aOR: 1.71, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.06). Non-uptake was more common among older pupils (aOR per year: 1.19, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.28) and households without disability (aOR: 3.53, 95% CI 1.91 to 6.51). In modelled scenarios, over 270 000 children may gain eligibility in 2026, yet 44.5% (95% CI 41.7% to 47.2%) of food-insecure children could remain ineligible.

CONCLUSIONS

2026 FSM eligibility changes are likely to reach more food-insecure children, but many may remain ineligible, particularly those facing structural disadvantage. These findings highlight the limitations of benefit-based criteria. Universal FSM provision has been proposed as a more equitable approach, with the potential to ensure that all food-insecure children are reached.