This activity is part of Lambeth Council’s £10 million cost of living support plan to help those worst impacted by rising prices.
The 340 children who will benefit from free school meals for the first time were identified by looking at the benefits they already receive. Those who were found to be eligible were sent letters informing them that they would be enrolled unless they opted out.
Councillor David Amos, cabinet member for finance and cost of living, said: “We are among the first London councils to auto enroll families for free school meals and feel it is an important move in the face of the ongoing cost of living crisis.
“By taking this step we have not only saved each of these families up to £500 per year in meal costs, but also given them access to support during the school holidays. They will also receive £20 per week in free school meal holiday support and can access the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme enabling parents and guardians to save on childcare costs during the holidays.
“We estimate the total savings to a household to be up to £1,400 per child per year. Despite the strain on our budget, we want to make sure our comprehensive cost of living support package helps those worst impacted by the crisis.”