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<p>The department has extended free school meal (FSM) support several times and to
more groups of children than any other government over the past half a century. As
a result, the greatest ever proportion of children are now receiving free lunches.
Over one third of children are now eligible for FSM, compared to one in six in 2010.</p><p>However,
a threshold must be set somewhere. The department believes that the current eligibility
threshold level, which enables children in low-income households to benefit from FSM,
while remaining affordable and deliverable for schools, is the correct decision.</p><p>
</p><p>The department will continue to keep FSM eligibility under review to ensure
that these meals are supporting those who most need them.</p><p> </p>
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