Mayor urges government to rethink on free school meals

17th June 2010, 12:27pm

Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales is urging the government to rethink plans to put off giving free school meals to children in working poor families.

Responding to education secretary Michael Gove's intention to axe future pilot schemes, Sir Robin has called upon the coalition to think again.

He said: "Our pilot means we can make a huge difference to the lives of our pupils and our families, particularly those working hard but struggling to pay basic bills - and get some of the most deprived young people in the country healthy.

"This is a great way of both putting money in their pockets and of improving children's health and fitness."

Newham's pilot scheme has gone from strength-to-strength since it began in September last year. Almost four out of every five children now eat free school meals, which encourages children to eat more healthily, and tackles obesity and child poverty by putting more money in families' pockets.

Sir Robin added: "It is of huge benefit to people on low incomes but who were not covered under the previous scheme. Research by the School Food Trust has shown that families with two children could save more than £1,000 per school year by joining the scheme, having a real impact on household incomes. That's why I'm urging the Government to think again."

Related Articles:

• 27 Aug 2010 - Pupils who get free school meals miss out on best schools, say Barnardo's
• 09 Jun 2010 - Free school dinners 'bombshell'
• 09 Jun 2010 - Free school dinners 'bombshell'

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