Failing to fund holiday meals and activities for thousands of children newly eligible for free school meals risks creating a “two-tier” system that could penalise working families, campaigners have warned. As of September, all pupils from households receiving universal credit are eligible for free meals. An earnings threshold previously applied. The government said it expected 500,000 more children to become eligible, helping “lift approximately 100,000 children out of poverty by the end of this parliament”. Become a member for unlimited access to Schools Week Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits. subscribe If you have an account, please login. Sign in