Summary
The Public Accounts Committee inquiry examined the operation of the free school meals scheme, and whether it met its objectives and provided value for money. Research suggests that half of UK children eligible for free school meals could not access the scheme during the first lockdown. 40% of eligible children lived in families who reported a lack of nutritious food during lockdown or family members going hungry in the previous week, or used a foodbank in the previous month. Families which are eligible for working-age benefits but have incomes above the free school meals cap also look less food insecure than those who were eligible for free meals in January. The campaign to extend the scheme has seen wide public support, and although the cost of making it permanent would be a substantial extension to spending on free school meals, it could have wider benefits for children’s health and attainment.