Figures from County Caterers – North Yorkshire County Council's school catering arm – reveal that last year up to 280 pupils daily in the county didn't take the free meal they are entitled to.

With primary school dinner prices in North Yorkshire fixed at £2 a day, parents with two primary-age children could be missing out on nearly £800 of healthy food for their children each year.

Families whose household income is less than £16,040 annually are now eligible for the entitlement which will ensure their children enjoy a healthy and nutritionally balanced meal every day.

In recent years North Yorkshire has been pushing ahead to make school meals as fresh and nutritious as possible.

County councillor Jim Clark, executive member for schools said: "We would like all children to benefit from our top quality school meals and there is really no reason why any that are entitled should miss out on the free school meal service.

"Many more children now enjoy an exciting range of tasty, nutritious meals all cooked from scratch from local produce in our school kitchens.

"Research shows that children who have at least one good meal a day in the company of others are in a better position to make the most of their education."

* people who receive any of the following benefits can claim free school meals for their children

* income support

* income-based job seekers allowance

* income-related employment and support allowance

* child tax credit with an income of less than £16,040 and not claiming

* working tax credit

* support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

* guarantee element of state pension credit.