Free School Meals
No child should go to school hungry
Primary school children in state-funded schools in London 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 is vital support for families facing rising costs and could save them over £500 per child every year.
Why we're providing children with free school meals
Financial relief
This policy is easing pressures on family finances for all households, and is 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 UFSM policy helped or significantly improved household finances.
Improved learning
It’s contributed to a calmer and more productive school environment, with more than a third of parents saying a healthy school lunch enables 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% of parents said they could spend more on food at home, including fruit, vegetables and evening meals, thanks to savings from school meals.
Improved mental wellbeing
It’s also making 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. Nearly half (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. More than one in three (35 per cent) stated that their child is now less worried about food at school.
Families which 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 UFSM 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
1. Kids Good Guarantee Update: Packed Lunches - May 2024. The Food Foundation.
2. DfE Update local authorities: 23 April 2025.
3. Cost of a school meal, School Food Matters (October 2024).
Register with your council for free school meals
Now that all primary school children will receive free school meals, it remains vitally important that parents and guardians register for the Government’s free school meals if they meet the criteria. This will ensure they’ll receive other benefits they may be entitled to, like food vouchers during the holidays. It could also bring the school an extra £1515 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, however it is still crucial that families check they are signed up.
Please visit gov.uk 'Apply for free school meals' page or speak to your school for further information on how to register.
Working collaboratively with boroughs, schools and families
We are working closely with boroughs, schools and other stakeholders in the delivery of this policy. We have 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 in the conversation
The Mayor of London’s Love Your Lunch Challenge
Last year, 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.
Find out moreFurther actions the Mayor is taking to support vulnerable Londoners
The Mayor is working hand-in-hand with the Government to help build a better and fairer London for everyone and 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, providing free holiday activities and food over the holidays, helping to keep young people safe, inspired and connected.
Evaluation and impact of 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
If you have any queries, please direct these to [email protected]