Free school meals

 James MacCleary, MP for the Lewes constituency, is calling on the Government to guarantee that free school meals are “nutritious, properly funded and deliverable” for schools.

This comes as the Government confirmed that from September 2026, all children in households on Universal Credit will become eligible for free school meals. 

While welcoming the expansion, James MacCleary warned that many schools are already struggling with the costs of food, staffing and space – and urged the Government to provide the funding and support needed to make the policy work.
James has written to ministers regarding funding for breakfast clubs, and whether current schemes are delivering healthy meals within budget. 

James MacCleary recently met with schools in Newhaven, Polegate, Lewes, Seaford, and local villages to discuss the challenges they face in delivering meal provision – including rising food prices, staffing shortages and squeezed budgets.
The Liberal Democrats continue to call for universal free school meals for all primary pupils and increased investment in breakfast provision – to improve both child nutrition and educational outcomes.

James MacCleary, MP for the Lewes constituency, said: “I’m pushing the Government to make sure this isn’t just a headline announcement – it needs to be a proper promise. As a dad with two children at primary school locally, I know just how important it is that our children get the best possible start.

“Since being elected, I’ve visited schools across Newhaven, Lewes, Polegate, Seaford and our local villages – and I’ve heard from children, staff and parents first-hand about the difference a proper meal can make.

“Free school meals must mean nutritious, healthy meals – not a cut-price token effort.

“Schools must be given the resources and funding to actually deliver them. Otherwise, we risk failing the very children this policy is meant to help.

“The principle is right. But without proper funding and clear guidance, schools will be left to do the impossible.”