Free School Meals: Could Your Child Now Be Eligible?

More children could now qualify – so it’s worth checking!

Did you know that the Free School Meals (FSM) eligibility rules changed in September 2026?

The changes mean that many more children could now be entitled to a free school meal – with around 500,000 additional children expected to become eligible.

But there’s a problem: lots of families may not know about the changes.

Research suggests that 38% of parents are unaware of the new rules, while 35% believe their child will be automatically enrolled. And if your child has been declined in the past, it’s worth checking again – you may now be eligible under the new rules.

At Mellors, we’re on a mission to make sure no child misses out simply because their family doesn’t know they’re entitled.

What could Free School Meals mean for your family?

Free School Meals aren’t just about a free lunch. They can make a real difference to families, too.

• Save money: You could save up to £495 per child, per year on school lunches.
• Less lunchbox prep: No need to plan, shop for and prepare a packed lunch every day.
• A proper school dinner: Children can enjoy a hot, freshly prepared and nutritious Mellors meal during the school day.
• Fuel for the day: A nutritious lunch provides the energy children need to learn, concentrate, grow and thrive.

And, of course, there’s the fun bit – choosing what’s for lunch!

We want every child to enjoy what’s on the menu

Being eligible for FSM is one thing. Using that allowance is another.

We know parents can have questions about school meals – from allergens and dietary requirements to portion sizes, nutrition and whether there’ll be something their child actually wants to eat.

That’s why, at Mellors, we put choice, quality and great food at the heart of what we do.

Our meals are freshly prepared using quality ingredients, with plenty of variety across our menus. We also cater for allergies and dietary requirements, helping make sure every child can enjoy a meal that’s right for them.

Why does this matter?

The latest Department for Education research found that awareness of the September 2026 changes was still relatively low among parents surveyed earlier in 2026. Just 27% of primary school parents, 30% of secondary school parents and 40% of special school parents said they were aware of the upcoming changes.

That’s why at Mellors want to help spread the word!

Because a free school meal can mean:

• More money saved.
• More hungry tummies filled.
• More children enjoying a freshly prepared lunch.
• And one less thing for parents to worry about.

Let’s get the word out!

We’ve created a handy Free School Meals toolkit for schools and families, packed with useful information, myth-busting facts and guidance on checking eligibility and applying.

And because information should be accessible to everyone, our website is available in more than 22 languages, with downloadable guides to help families understand the changes and take the next step.

Download these Resources to help you and your school apply:-