School Meals

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Welcome to School Meals

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The Menus

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The Produce

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Please use this link Allergen and nutritional information to access current guidance and dietary information supplied by Bolton Council.

Free School Meals

From September 2026, the Government introduced new Free School Meal eligibility arrangements. As part of these changes, schools are required to check and verify eligibility for all children.

We encourage all families to complete the enclosed form, even if you do not think you are currently eligible or your child does not wish to have a school meal. Circumstances change, and completing this form allows the school to check eligibility both now and in the future. Registering for Free School Meals may also enable school to receive additional government funding to support your child’s education and wellbeing.

All information will be treated in the strictest confidence and used only for the purpose of assessing Free School Meal eligibility. You can submit an online application via the LFGL website using the link below. Alternatively, print the form below, complete and return to the school office.

Changes to Free School Meals Holiday Food Vouchers and Available Support

The information below has been provided by Bolton Council regarding changes to Free School Meal holiday food vouchers and the support available to families.

Free School Meal (FSM) holiday food vouchers have come to an end. This change follows the UK Government’s decision to end the Household Support Fund (HSF), which has funded school holiday food vouchers for eligible families in recent years.

The new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which has replaced the HSF, has different funding criteria and does not allow funding to be used for universal FSM holiday food voucher schemes. As a result, local authorities are unable to continue providing this support after the summer holidays.

Bolton Council understands that this news may be concerning, particularly at a time when many families continue to face financial pressures. The Council would like to reassure families that a range of national and local support remains available to help with financial assistance, food support and advice.

National Support

The Government has set out a longer-term Child Poverty Strategy focused on increasing incomes, reducing household costs and improving access to food, including:

  • Higher incomes: From April 2026, the two-child limit in Universal Credit was removed, supporting larger families alongside wider work to help parents move into and progress in employment.
  • Lower household costs: The Warm Home Discount is being expanded to more households receiving benefits, helping with energy bills.
  • Food support: From September 2026, free school meals are available to all children in households receiving Universal Credit, and free breakfast provision is being introduced in primary schools.
  • Help for families: The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme will continue until 2029, alongside expanded childcare support for parents receiving Universal Credit.

Local Support in Greater Manchester

A range of support is available locally for anyone who may need additional help:

  • Free welfare benefits, financial and debt advice to help maximise income and reduce household finances.
  • Support through trusted community organisations, including help to access benefits and other forms of financial assistance. Support will also be available through GM Live Well Centres.
  • An out-of-hours Citizens Advice helpline providing access to advice at convenient times. Contact via phone or SMS on 0161 850 5053.
  • Continued holiday activities and support through the HAF programme, including opportunities for some families who are not eligible for free school meals. For more information visit www.bolton.gov.uk/HAF.
  • A local welfare assistance scheme offering emergency support with food, energy costs and other essential items through a simple application process.

The Council appreciates that this change may be disappointing and understand the impact it may have on some families. While the decision to end the HSF has been made nationally, partners across Greater Manchester remain committed to ensuring families can access the support they need and helping to prevent financial hardship wherever possible.

Further Information

If you require this information in another language, please visit:

www.bolton.gov.uk/freeschoolmealvouchers

and use the accessibility options available on the website.

Support is available, and the Council encourages anyone who may be struggling to seek advice as early as possible. Further information, including useful contact details, can be found in the leaflet provided or by visiting:

www.bolton.gov.uk/freeschoolmealvouchers

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