Despite no measurable change in academic attainment, the researchers highlighted the policy has been positively received by schools and families, particularly those families who had previously not qualified for means tested free school meals.
According to the research 41% of parents reported significant reductions in financial stress, saying universal free school meals made a big difference to their finances and a further 39% saying it made a small difference.
As part of the evaluation Dr Mark Hardman took a team of researchers to observe student lunchtimes in a number of primary schools across London. The team observed increased community cohesion within the schools, with a greater focus on lunchtime, nutrition and eating together.
Dr Hardman said: “Our independent evaluation has shown the universal free school meals policy to be a hugely popular move, especially for families whose incomes sit just above the threshold that would have previously qualified them for support.
“Take-up was high across the city, but we also found personal choice to be a really important factor in determining whether children took up school meals, particularly for the older age groups.
“Having a sense of agency over their food choices and being able to choose their meals at the point of service was crucial. It made them more likely to try new foods while also reducing family stress associated with pre-ordering meals.”