Campaigners say 800,000 children living in poverty in England are overlooked by government and miss out on free school meals

Eligible for free school meals

In poverty but missing out

3 million

2.7m

Feed the Future campaign is calling for an extension of free school meals to an extra 800,000 children

0.8

2

1.9

1.74

1.44

1.27

1

1.13

1.11

0

2017-18

2019-20

2021-22

Eligible for free school meals

In poverty but missing out

3 million

2.7m

Feed the Future campaign is calling for an extension of free school meals to an extra 800,000 children

0.8

2

1.9

1.74

1.44

1.27

1

1.13

1.11

0

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

Guardian graphic. Source: Child Poverty Action Group analysis of DfE free school meals data, ONS, Gov.uk - Schools, pupils and their characteristics