A food company has welcomed the latest government decision to expand free school meal eligibility.

Dorset-based Local Food Links has backed the announcement that, from the 2026 school year, all pupils in households receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to free school meals.

Caroline Morgan, chief executive of Local Food Links, said: "This is a good decision for both pupils and parents.

"It will put extra money in the pocket of hard-working families and the pupils can always be confident about receiving a good meal at school."

The company, which supplies school meals across the south west, said the move would improve access to healthy food, especially for children from low-income families.

Caroline said expanding free school meals would support families struggling with the cost of living, while helping children concentrate and learn.

Local Food Links believes the policy will benefit not only children’s education and wellbeing but also household finances.