York leaders welcome government plans to extend free school meals to more children

City of York Council leaders are highlighting the positive impact of the city’s free school meals pilots, following the government’s announcement [5 June] that it will extend free school meals to children in households receiving Universal Credit from September 2026.

In York, free school meal pilots are running at three primary schools as part of a citywide initiative, providing pupils with a free school meal even if they’re not eligible under the national scheme.

Over 46,000 free breakfasts or lunches have been given to children in the three primary schools piloting the initiative – Westfield Primary Community School, Burton Green Primary School and Fishergate Primary School – since it launched in January 2024.

The campaign is part of the council’s wider commitment both to address affordability challenges and to ensure that  good health and wellbeing is prioritised as early as possible in residents’ lives – part of the council’s four year plan – One City for all.

The pilots have been made possible thanks to funding from the council and donations to the York Community Fund’s York Hungry Minds Appeal.

York Hungry Minds was set up in a bid to address disadvantage and the impact of the cost of living crisis, responding to national evidence suggesting that providing children with healthy, nourishing food can make a significant difference to school attendance, concentration and learning and their physical and mental wellbeing.

Initial research carried out by researchers from the Universities of York, Leeds and Sheffield into the impact of the York free school meal pilots last autumn showed that pupils taking part showed improved attendance and punctuality compared to their peers.

Schools also saw evidence of improved behaviour because children were feeling less hungry, with staff noting improvements in the pupils’ focus and energy levels after receiving a free breakfast [at Burton Green].

Staff and parents at Burton Green Primary School and Westfield Primary Community School highlighted how the Universal Free School Meal pilot had helped ease financial pressures, as part of the evaluation work. They also raised the food insecurity families’ face and the importance of the meals in directly alleviating pressure.

Tina Clarke, headteacher at Fishergate Primary School, explained the impact the free school meals pilot has had at her school: 

“The breakfast club at Fishergate has made a huge difference to the children who attend. We have seen a positive impact on levels of attendance and punctuality - to be honest we have been surprised by how much of an impact it has had. It has also made a big difference to how the children start the school day - they come into their class settled, happy and ready to learn. “

Cllr Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: 

“When I have spoken to parents, carers and school leaders about the impact of our free school meals pilot, they highlighted improvements in school attendance and children’s behaviour. A good education is critical to helping children fulfil their potential and live happy and healthy lives, and all the national and local evidence shows that providing a regular, nutritious meal really can have a significant impact on their learning.

“I’m pleased that the government has again shown its commitment to expanding eligibility for free school meals and I hope that this announcement will enable even more children and young people in York to get a free school lunch.”

More details on the research findings into the impact of York’s free school meal pilots are available at https://www.york.gov.uk/free-school-meals/york-hungry-minds

You can find out more about how to make donations to support York’s free school meals pilots at Two Ridings Community Foundation.