Free school meal trial begins today for primary school children

3rd September 2009, 12:21pm

All primary school children in two areas will from today get a free, healthy lunch every day throughout the school year as part of the Government's action to reduce childhood obesity.

All secondary school pupils eating school lunches will also get a nutritionally balanced meal including lots of vegetables, salad and fruit, as the new nutrient standards come into force in secondary and special schools.

Both measures are designed to get all children developing healthy eating habits, so that they are encouraged to eat school meals from a young age throughout their school life and are not tempted to eat junk food when they reach secondary school.

The start of the free school meal pilots in Newham and County Durham comes a week after new research by the School Food Trust (SFT) finds that one in five parents on low incomes are not checking if they are eligible for free school meals. In Wolverhampton more children at both primary and secondary schools will be entitled to free school meals this year.

Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls said: "Eating a nutritious meal at lunchtime from a young age can help improve the behaviour of children in school and at home – that's why these pilots are so important. Healthy school meals are vital to helping children do well at school and to prevent obesity.

"Teenagers are the hardest group to reach but that doesn't mean giving up, we must simply work harder to encourage them away from the take-away and into their school canteen. The Government is creating a legacy of healthy eating in children from a young age so by the time they reach secondary school they are more likely to want to eat a school meal."

Last week the SFT launched their new campaign 'Bringing down the Barriers' that will target pupils and parents to show them how much money they can save per year if they claim their free school meal, which is especially vital in the current economic climate.

The campaign will also continue to work with schools to make sure they don't stigmatise children on FSM, for example, 34 local authorities are using the £100 million government funding for dining rooms and kitchens to install swipe card systems so that FSM pupils cannot be identified.

Judy Hargadon, Chief Executive of the School Food Trust said: "Recent research highlights that there could be as many as 300,000 children currently missing out on the opportunity of a free school meal. Reasons behind this are complex, but parents tell us that stigma and not knowing whether they are eligible or not can put them off signing up.

"We are working with schools and Local Authorities to promote free school meals and make sure parents have all the information they need in order to claim them. As the recession bites and unemployment rises, families will want to be making all the savings they can so we would urge any parent to check with their school or local council and if entitled, start claiming this great benefit for their children."

Related Articles:

• 03 Nov 2009 - New data suggests child obesity may be levelling off
• 12 Oct 2009 - Free school meals in Newham sees take-up exceed 75%
• 30 Sep 2009 - Marketing budgets slashed for half of recession-hit school caterers

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