Paul Givan has now proposed amendments which would give him discretion to decide when the payments would take effect
Campaigners have accused the education minister of attempting to undermine a proposed Stormont law which would help poorer families with the cost of food.
The Democratic Unionist Party's (DUP) Paul Givan has been consistently critical of the legislation which is being brought forward by Sinn Féin assembly member Danny Baker.
Givan has warned it would immediately cost his department £20m a year at a time when it is already struggling to balance its budget.
The Holiday Meals Payment Bill, external would create a new payment for families whose children receive free school meals which would be made during school holidays to help with the cost of food.