The report found 471,000 children are missing out on their statutory right to a free school meal - up from 245,000 children in 2023.
A spokesperson for School Food Matters, explained: “An auto-enrolment system for free school meals would remove enrolment barriers and generate income for the school through pupil premium. The new report estimates that schools are missing out on more than £600 million a year in pupil premium funding due to unclaimed free school meals.
“Far too many vulnerable children cannot access a free school meal that they are already eligible to receive. We believe every child, no matter where they live, should be able to access a hot, delicious meal during their time at school. Our manifesto calls on the next Government to implement auto-enrolment as an immediate first step towards school food for all.”