September 2026 series: What we've learned about access to school food

The expansion of free school meals to all children in households receiving Universal Credit and continued roll-out of free primary breakfast clubs this September marks an important moment for children and families across England. 

Access to nutritious food at school is about much more than ensuring children have something to eat. It helps children arrive in the classroom ready to learn, supports their wellbeing, and creates opportunities for them to fully participate in school life.  

Through my work with schools in Hertfordshire, I've seen the difference that access to food can make for children, and the lengths that schools go to ensure no child goes hungry. 

Why access matters 

For many children, breakfast and lunch are more than just meal times. They are a reliable opportunity to ensure a full belly and provide access to nutritious food, particularly where home lives may be challenging or unpredictable. Teachers, headteachers and midday supervisors often work together to identify children who may have arrived at school hungry and make sure they are supported, reflecting just how important access to food is to children's health, brains and happiness.

"Access to a daily nutritious school meal makes an enormous difference to children - their concentration is better, attendance is better, and there are also huge gains in social skills to be had from the simple act of sitting at a table and sharing a meal together. These gains are particularly noticeable in children who have not previously had access to a school meal.

There are also wider, societal benefits to families. Most families on Universal Credit are working families and the increased access will take financial pressure off some of our hardest pressed families." - John Draper, headteacher at a Southampton primary school

"I've noticed a huge difference in my daughter when she's eaten a balanced, nutritious meal. When she hasn't eaten properly, her energy levels can be erratic and it's much harder for her to focus and concentrate. After a good meal, she's more settled, more focused and better able to engage. It really makes me think about how important access to nutritious food is for children in the classroom and their ability to learn throughout the school day." - Parent of a primary school child

The children themselves are also all too aware of the inequity of the current school meal system. In some schools, children talk openly about no longer receiving school meals due to cost and question why access is not equal. Fairness and equality are core values taught at school, yet the inconsistency is stark when it comes to school meals.  

Expanding access isn't only about nutrition, it's also about inclusion and giving more children access to the same opportunities as their peers. School food can help ensure children feel part of the community around them, rather than feeling different because of family circumstances. 

"It makes everyone not feel left out [...], they don’t have to be different to other people saying that I can’t afford to have my lunch." - Child, Two Cities Campaign

The importance of starting the day well 

One of the things that has stood out to me most is the role breakfast can play in children's school day. 

Breakfast clubs provide another opportunity for children to access nutritious food before lessons begin, helping them start the day with the energy they need to think, learn and play. They can also help children build confidence around food and try foods they may not usually choose. 

Breakfast tastings can be an effective way of introducing foods such as yoghurt, fruit, beans on toast and eggs on toast. Children are often far more willing to try new foods than adults expect, particularly when there is no pressure to do so. When breakfast provision is combined with simple food education, children become more curious about what they are eating and where it comes from. 

One primary school I work with on the Nourish programme reviewed its breakfast provision earlier this year to bring it in line with the school food standards. Previously, the breakfast club relied heavily on pastries and croissants. Since January 2026, however, the school has introduced a more balanced offer including beans, eggs, yoghurt, wholemeal toast, milk and wholegrain cereals. 

Importantly, the changes did not increase costs, reduce attendance or generate the pushback from parents that staff had expected. The breakfast club remains full, and more children are now starting the day with a nutritious meal. It's a good example of what we've learned through Nourish: improving food quality doesn't have to come at the expense of uptake, enjoyment or affordability. In fact, when schools invest in nutritious, appealing food, children often respond positively. 

What schools need to know 

Schools can play an important role in ensuring families understand what has changed and encouraging eligible families to register for free school meals. Read more about the new eligibility checking service here.

One of the most effective approaches I've seen is schools supporting registration from the outset and making the process as simple as possible for families. Discussing free school meal registration as part of the admissions process, or even automatically checking new children's eligibility, can help identify eligible families early, increase uptake and ensure schools receive the pupil premium funding they are entitled to. 

Looking ahead 

The expansion of free school meals and breakfast clubs is a hugely positive step.  We see the benefits of access to food across many aspects of children’s and families’ lives, from reducing hunger and supporting learning to helping children understand the value of nutritious and delicious food. As awareness of the ‘right to food’ movement grows, schools have an important role to play in helping children understand these values while supporting their health and wellbeing. As more children become eligible for support, we have a unique opportunity to build on what schools already know works and ensure every child can access the food they need to thrive. 

Look out for our next blog where we’ll explore what we’ve learned from schools about the importance of food quality.