What Next After Free School Meals Expansion?
Last week, the UK government confirmed that, starting in 2026, all children from households receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to free school meals—a long-awaited decision that could benefit more than 500,000 additional children.
As a company deeply committed to supporting schools and nurseries with nutritious milk provision, we at Cool Milk welcome this announcement. It marks a meaningful step toward reducing food insecurity, levelling the playing field, and ensuring that every child—regardless of background—has the fuel they need to thrive in the classroom.
But while this expansion deserves recognition, it also prompts a crucial conversation:
What does “good” school food look like in 2025—and how do we make it count?
Beyond Quantity: A Focus on Quality
Providing more children with access to food is undeniably a win. However, access alone isn’t enough. The meals children receive must be nutritionally balanced, high quality, and delivered with care.
There’s a growing consensus across the sector—from public health experts to educators and caterers—that we must go beyond simply feeding children to nourishing them. The food served in schools has a direct link to energy levels, attention, learning outcomes, and overall wellbeing.
This is why we believe milk must remain part of the conversation. As a staple in the School Food Standards, milk provides:
- Essential calcium for growing bones and teeth
- Protein to support development
- Vitamin B12, iodine, and potassium—often lacking in young children’s diets
- Hydration that helps with focus and reduces fatigue
At Cool Milk, we work with thousands of schools and early years settings across the UK to ensure that fresh, chilled milk is delivered cost-effectively, reliably, and sustainably—helping to build healthy habits from the start.
Let’s Keep the Momentum Going
The expansion of free school meals is not the finish line—it’s the starting point for a wider conversation about nutrition equity, food education, and holistic wellbeing. If we’re serious about giving every child the best chance to succeed, we must continue to:
- Invest in quality school food
- Celebrate and support food providers
- Champion healthy habits—including daily milk
- Work across sectors to make sure no child is left behind
At Cool Milk, we’re proud to play our part—and ready to support schools and settings as they adapt to these positive changes.
Let’s make this more than a policy shift. Let’s make it a turning point.
To find out how Cool Milk supports schools and nurseries with simple, nutritious milk provision, get in touch here.
