Free School Meals
No child should go to school hungry
Primary school children in London's state-funded schools will continue to get free school meals for as long as Sadiq Khan is the Mayor of London. He has extended this funding to help build a better and fairer London for everyone.
The Mayor is committed to making London the best city in the world to grow up in, where every child has the support and opportunities they need to get ahead. That’s why he has funded more than 91 million meals so far, ensuring that state primary school children get at least one nutritious meal a day. This support is vital for families facing rising costs and could save them over £500 per child every year.
Why we're providing free school meals
Financial relief
The Universal Free School Meals policy is easing pressures on family finances for all households. It's having the biggest impact on those families who have been most affected by rising food, energy and housing costs. 84 per cent of parents said the policy helped or significantly improved household finances.
Improved learning
The policy has contributed to a calmer and more productive school environment, with more than a third of parents saying a healthy school lunch helps their children to concentrate better in lessons. Children also reported feeling "stronger and healthier" and having "more energy".
Improved nutrition
55 per cent of all parents surveyed thought their child was trying new foods because of the policy, improving the health of London's primary school children. 60 per cent of parents said they could spend more on food at home, including fruit, vegetables and evening meals, thanks to savings on school meals.
Improved mental wellbeing
Children enjoy school more, with more than a third of parents saying their child enjoys school more since the policy began, and that the scheme had improved their child’s mental wellbeing. 45 per cent of parents who responded to the survey said the policy has meant they worry less about passing on their financial concerns to their children. 35 per cent said their child is less worried about food at school.
As of November 2025, each child has been offered 435 free healthy lunches in just over two years, with families potentially saving £500 a year since the Mayor stepped in with this unprecedented funding.
This calculation is based on the number of meals funded per pupil benefiting since the Mayor’s policy began in September 2023. There are 190 days in the school year. This calculation totals the 2023/24 and 2024/25 academic years, and from 1 September to 21 November in the 2025/26 academic year.
Since the beginning of the Mayor's Universal Free School Meals programme in September 2023, he has funded more than 100 million meals for London state school pupils at Key Stage 2.
Families who would have routinely paid for school lunches or made their own packed lunches could save over £500 per pupil per year due to the Mayor’s Universal Free School Meals programme.
- It is assumed that packed lunches cost up to £2.34 per day.1
- National government fund school meals at £2.61 per meal.2
- Evidence suggest school lunches can cost an average of £2.91.3
- The Mayor funds school meals at £3 per meal.
- The cost of meals for an academic year is the cost per day multiplied by 190 days (number of days in the academic year).
Sources
- Kids Good Guarantee Update: Packed Lunches - May 2024. The Food Foundation.
- DfE Update local authorities: 23 April 2025.
- Cost of a school meal, School Food Matters: October 2024.
Register for free school meals
Now that all primary school children will receive free school meals, it remains important that parents and guardians register for the Government’s free school meals, if they meet the criteria.
Registering with your local council ensures you receive the benefits you may be entitled to, like food vouchers during the holidays. It could also bring the school an extra £1,515 in funding each year. That’s more money for extra-curricular activities, teacher development, and support for children who need it most.
The Mayor has made significant investment to help automatically register eligible pupils to ensure no child is missed. But it's still crucial that families check they're signed up.
Visit Apply for free school meals on GOV.UK, or speak to your child's school to find out how to register.
Working with boroughs, schools and families
We're working closely with boroughs, schools and other stakeholders in the delivery of this policy. We launched borough and school hubs to provide colleagues with the relevant guidance and resources needed to increase uptake.
The Mayor is funding universal free school meal provision in London state primary schools. Find guidance and support for schools.
The Mayor is funding universal free school meal provision in London state primary schools. Find guidance and support for boroughs.
The Mayor is funding universal free school meal provision in London state primary schools. Find guidance and support for families.
Involving schools and children
The Mayor of London’s Love Your Lunch Challenge
In 2023, the Mayor asked young Londoners to join the conversation about Free School Meals and to create a piece of work that tells about why they love free school meals.
Learn more about Love Your LunchFurther support for vulnerable Londoners
The Mayor is working hand-in-hand with the Government to help build a better and fairer London for everyone. He will continue engaging with boroughs and other partners to fight against food insecurity.
As part of his commitment to making London the best city in the world to grow up in, he has launched the Holiday Hope programme. This programme provides free holiday activities and food over the holidays, helping to keep young people safe, inspired and connected.
Evaluating Universal Free School Meals
Learn more about how we’re monitoring and evaluating the Universal Free School Meals scheme with key partners.
Understanding the possible impacts of the Free School Meals policy and how they could be improved. Read the full report (updated May 2025).
Get in touch
For any questions, email [email protected].