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Background Food insecurity affects over one-in-four UK children. Free School Meals (FSMs) aim to mitigate some adverse effects, yet the extent to which they reach children in food-insecure households is unclear. In September 2026, eligibility criteria will be expanded, but provision will not be universal. This study provides the first analysis of FSM reach amongst children in food-insecure households and the potential impact of the 2026 eligibility changes.Methods Data from the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Family Resources Survey were merged, yielding 6558 children aged 8-17 in England. Household food insecurity in the past 30 days was measured using a validated module. Weighted proportions of children in food-insecure households not receiving FSMs were calculated. Logistic regression identified household predictors of food insecurity among those not receiving FSMs. Predictors of non-uptake among eligible children were also examined. 2026 eligibility changes were forecast under two scenarios.Results 27.5% (95%CI:26.2, 28.8) of children lived in food-insecure households; fewer than one in three of these received FSMs. Among these, 79.9% (95%CI:77.2, 82.6) were ineligible under current criteria, while 20.1% (95%CI:17.4, 22.8) were eligible but not taking them up. Predictors of food insecurity included households receiving Child Benefit (OR:1.62, 95%CI:1.28, 2.06), black ethnicity (OR:2.42, 95%CI:1.67, 3.49) and households with disabled members (OR:1.76, 95%CI:1.45, 2.14). Non-uptake was more common among older pupils (OR per year:1.18, 95%CI:1.1, 1.27), those in the south (OR:1.82, 95%CI:1.11, 2.99) and households without disability (OR:3.26, 95%CI:1.79, 5.92). In both scenarios, over 200,000 children will gain eligibility in 2026, yet half in food-insecure households will remain ineligible.Conclusion 2026 FSM eligibility changes will reach more children in food-insecure households, but many will remain ineligible, particularly those facing structural disadvantage. These findings highlight the limitations of benefit-based criteria. Universal FSM provision would be a more equitable solution, ensuring that all children in food-insecure households are reached.