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The Government says half a million more children will benefit from best start free breakfast clubs from April 2026, delivering real relief to families struggling with the rising cost of living whilst investing in the foundations of future economic growth.

It has increased the per child funding rate for mainstream schools to £1, making good on its commitment to roll out clubs with a variety of healthy meals.

Schools will also receive a guaranteed £25 a day to cover staffing and admin so every type of school can easily deliver a breakfast club. For an average school with 50% take up, the total funding package has increased by 28%.  

Michael Hales, national chair of LACA – The School Food People, commented: “LACA welcomes today’s announcement on expanding free breakfast clubs and the Government’s decision to increase breakfast funding by 28%. This investment recognises the importance of ensuring children start the day fed, focused and ready to learn - and will make a meaningful difference for families.

“However, while breakfast club funding has risen, the funding for a school lunch has remained practically frozen for years, despite food prices increasing by around 50% since 2020. This growing gap risks putting real pressure on caterers and the quality of meals available to children at lunchtime.

“To ensure every child can rely on a hot, healthy, and nutritious school lunch, LACA is calling for the funding rate to increase to at least £3.45 per meal. Without this uplift, the most vulnerable pupils - including those newly supported through breakfast provision - risk missing out at the middle of the school day.

“We stand ready to work with the Government to make sure both breakfast and lunch provision are sustainable, deliverable and properly funded for the long term.”

Applications have now opened for the next wave of 500 schools with 40% of pupils on free school meals to benefit from the programme. The Government says it has invested £80 million ‘in the right places’ to give every child the best start in life - recognising that a healthy, well-educated population is essential for a thriving economy.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I grew up in a family where every bill mattered, and I know what it feels like for parents trying to make ends meet. That’s why helping families with the cost of living is my number one priority.

“Free breakfast clubs are already a lifeline for parents, and now we’re going further to deliver on that promise – beginning the national rollout.

"Not only that, but we’re prioritising those communities feeling the sharpest squeeze, tackling both the cost of living and child poverty head-on. This isn’t just about saving parents money and time; it’s about investing in the next generation to give them the best start in life.”