Schools in Argyll and Bute will serve up a week of free school meals for all pupils in P1-3 in advance of the nationwide launch of the policy.
The council will run pilot schemes in October before the Scottish Government system is fully introduced in January 2015.
The aim is to iron out any problems arising from an expected rise in take-up, such as additional sittings.
Malcolm MacFadyen, head of facility services, said the pilot scheme would give schools an early indication of the number of pupils taking part, and identify potential issues in kitchens and dining rooms.
The changes are being implemented as part of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014.
“The government has indicated that when it comes to reaching financial settlement for this, the council will not lose out in any way. However, the detail has not been finalised yet,” said Mr MacFadyen.
“The reason we are adopting a pilot is to test readiness. This will mean that in advance of the launch in January we are in a position to move forward.”
The trial run was agreed at a full meeting of the council.
Councillor Sandy Taylor said the authority was determined to get the best from the policy.
“This implementation of free school meals has the potential to have a very positive impact on our children’s health, well-being and education,” he added.
“It will assist to address the attainment gap between the ‘haves’ and the’ ‘have nots’.”
Councillor James Robb added: “I think this initiative has a lot of good points about social justice and inclusion.”
Councillor Roddy McCuish said: “It’s a wonderful policy and it is not going to cost the council anything.”
The provision of meals in Argyll and Bute is expected to cost £1,268,900 in the 2015-16 financial year.