The pilot was introduced in September 2024 in the knowledge that not all families who are entitled to free school meals actually apply for it. Council staff have already identified 546 children who were eligible for free school meals but not receiving them.
All schools in the town agreed to take part in the pilot but will have the opportunity to decide if they want to continue if the initiative is made permanent. Families will also have the option of opting out of the scheme.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: "This move has been a massive success so far, and I'm delighted we've been able to help so many families in such a short space of time. The data was already available, it's such a simple change but it's been so effective.
“We've saved families money and brought in more than three quarters of a million pounds to schools in extra funding. It will help schools to deliver even better care and education to young people right across our town. The scheme is a brilliant example of how as a council, we are really delivering for the people of Middlesbrough."
The Mayor identified making Middlesbrough a healthy place and reducing poverty as two of his priorities for the council. The free school meals initiative contributes to both.
Automatic enrolment saves families an average of £400 per year and has also unlocked around £765,000 in extra Government funding for schools in Middlesbrough in this academic year alone.