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Food Foundation research found 14 million people (including four million children) are living in households where a lack of food is an issue.

Anna Taylor, executive director of the Food Foundation, said: “The situation is getting worse by the month and as people struggle to pay their energy bills the crisis will deepen over the winter. It is essential the Government acts now to protect the long-term health and prospects of our children.”

The devolved Governments of Scotland and Wales are committed to providing free school meals for all primary schoolchildren, as well as more generous breakfast provision. There has been no such commitment to offer the same opportunities to children in England. In England the threshold to get free school meals is a combined household income of less than £7,400 before benefits. 

The current restrictive policy means 800,000 children living in poverty in England are not eligible for free school meals. Research projects have shown that good diet in childhood improves health, attainment and behaviour at school, as well as boosting lifetime productivity.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, added: “There is clear evidence that providing children with a nutritious meal at lunchtime helps not only with their diet but also academic performance. Free school meal provision can be a lifeline for families. It is therefore concerning that there are so many children living in poverty that are not currently eligible.”