Many families in the borough are struggling to afford the basics, but lots of children who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) are not yet receiving them.

The benefits of <abbr title="Free School Meal">FSM</abbr>

savings of more than £450 a year per child
saves time making packed lunches
your child gets a healthy tasty, cooked meal
children achieve more when they've had a cooked lunch
school gets extra funding to help children in their education (pupil premium- up to £1455 a year per child)

Eligibility

Universal <abbr title="Free School Meal">FSM</abbr> - Reception, Year 1 and 2

Your child will be able to get <abbr title="Free School Meal">FSM</abbr> if they are in a government-funded school and they are in:

reception - you can apply as soon as your child's school place has been confirmed
year 1
year 2

Year 3 and above

Your child will be able to get <abbr title="Free School Meal">FSM</abbr> if you receive any of the following:

Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household earnings must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

The Poverty Emergency

Resources for residents