THOUSANDS of hard-up families are missing out on free school meals due to harsh eligibility rules.
Around 800,000 children living in poverty in England do not qualify, according to figures for Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG).
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The Children’s Society policy manager Thomas Cave said it was a “scandal” that “children are going hungry” because of the rules.
We take a look at the issue — and highlights help that struggling families can get.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS?
THE criteria for free school meals varies based on location and financial situation.
Scotland and Wales have committed to rolling out the benefit for all primary school pupils.
At present in Scotland, all students can get free school meals between reception and year five, regardless of the parents’ income.
In Wales, all pupils in reception get free school meals, and by the end of the year, this offer will be extended to all year one and two pupils.
By the end of 2024, all primary school pupils in Wales will get free school meals.
In England, all children in reception, year one and two can get a free meal in school.
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Whether or not you qualify for free school meals after that depends on whether you get certain benefits and your income.
In all three nations, you qualify if you are in receipt of certain benefits regardless of income, including: income support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
In England and Wales, this also includes the guaranteed element of Pension Credit, and working tax credit.
But for millions of families on Universal Credit, there are income requirements.
In England and Wales, you must have an income of £7,400 a year or less, not including benefits. Those on child tax credits must earn under £16,190 a year.
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These rules are much tougher than for families in Scotland.
Those on Universal Credit must have a monthly income of £660 or less — which totals £7,920 a year — in Scotland.
Scottish families must have an income of less than £17,005 if they claim child tax credits, which goes down to £7,920 if they claim this as well as working tax credits.
Celebs such as telly chef Jamie Oliver and footie ace Marcus Rashford have piled pressure on the Government to give out more free school meals.
UNFAIR CAP MEANS KIDS GO HUNGRY
THE eligibility cap has not changed since 2018, despite rising incomes, inflation and the current cost-of-living crisis.
Charities and campaigners have called for the cap to be increased.
CPAG chief executive Alison Garnham said the eligibility criteria is “way too restrictive” and that it’s “not right” low earners who haven’t got enough to get by don’t qualify.
Food Foundation policy research manager Shona Goudie said children are going hungry at school, because parents can’t afford to buy lunch.
“Instead, they may have to eat smaller meals or go without lunch completely, leaving them hungry and unable to concentrate in class,” she said.
Some eligible families can get free school meals vouchers through holidays, such as Christmas and half-term — but it varies based between councils.
Other help available for families
FAMILIES can get free cash and vouchers for food from their local authority under the Household Support Fund but this varies from council to council.
The Sun has found the most cash a family can get is £200, in Peterborough – but the lowest we saw was £15 in food vouchers offered to low-income families over a half-term in West Northamptonshire.
Parents and mums-to-be can get up to £442 to buy milk, veg, and other fridge essentials under the Healthy Start programme.
Families must have an annual income of £16,910 or less on child tax credit, and £408 or less per month on Universal Credit after tax. For more info, see healthystart.nhs.uk/how-to-apply.
Hard-up households can also be referred by a community organisation, like schools, churches, GPs or Citizens Advice to food banks, where they’ll be able to get an emergency package of essentials.
Free breakfasts will be delivered to around 2,500 schools until July 2023 under the government’s National School Breakfast Programme.
There’s no eligibility requirement – if the school qualifies for the help, every student can get one.
