In a major policy shift, the government has announced that over 500,000 additional children in England will qualify for free school meals, particularly benefiting those in families receiving Universal Credit. This change is aimed at alleviating hunger among students, with advocates highlighting that it will save parents up to £500 a year. Charitable organizations have welcomed the expansion but caution that further steps are necessary to address ongoing food insecurity. The initiative is expected to help approximately 75,000 children in the North East alone, marking a significant commitment to supporting the poorest families in the nation.