As with a lot of these threads recently, the anti-policy rhetoric is often underpinned by a consistently poor understanding of the whole societal and economic interrelationships by a number of contributors.
However, making sure school children are properly looked after in their education is paramount; encompassing quality teaching, a consistent & safe environment, ensuring attendance, creating attainable outcomes and futures through teaching the right subjects and most importantly prioritising the child's heath and wellbeing.
If the parents aren't proving this, for whatever reason, then it absolutely has to sit within the education system. The cost of this is irrelevant, compared to the benefit or irrecoverable harm to future generations.
Matters of education & pupil wellbeing like free school meals should not be vulnerable to government policy changes like this.