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The project will see around 2,500 children automatically enrolled for free school meals following a data matching exercise on their eligibility. It will save the families an average of £400 per child a year on food costs.

Councillor Alan Shield, Cabinet member for equality and inclusion, said: "The auto enrolment scheme ensures we can reach as many families as possible to offer them free school meals. Families can save money on food costs at a time where the cost of living is high, and their children are benefitting from nutritious meals while in school.”

Schools in County Durham will also benefit from this initiative through eligibility for the Government's pupil premium grant, where they will receive extra funding for every child that is registered for free school meals.

Joanne Bromley, headteacher of King Street Primary School in Spennymoor, added: "For many reasons, eligible families have often missed out on the opportunity to have free school meals and this scheme will ensure that all eligible children access a healthy, nutritious lunch.

“This supports children's learning and wellbeing. However, it also benefits the child by offering the opportunity to try many new foods alongside their peers, while also supporting parents during the current cost of living crisis."