More pupils now eligible for free school meals

11th August 2009, 2:32pm

The number of children now eligible for free school meals has increased by over 21,000 in a year, new government figures show.

Statistics from the Department for Children, Schools and Families highlight how the recession is sending more children below the bread line.

There are now 15,080 more primary school children eligible for free meals compared to 2008.

Over 5,700 additional kids attending secondary schools now qualify and the number rose by 610 in special schools.

As unemployment rises, child poverty charities are urging parents to look into whether or not their children have become eligible.

Chris Wainwright of the School Food Trust warned that despite these figures more needs to be done to eradicate child poverty: "We must not forget the 400,000 children classed as living in poverty but who are still not eligible for free school meals. We must widen the eligibility net to ensure all children who need free school meals receive them."

As it currently stands, families who qualify for free school meals must have an income lower than £16,000 a year, including benefits.

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• 05 May 2011 - Five schools win Canteen Rescue Search competition
• 05 Feb 2010 - More kids to benefit from free school meals
• 19 Jan 2010 - Primary kids in North Yorkshire are still missing out on free school meals
• 08 Jan 2010 - Campaigners show concerns over plans to cut back free school dinners
• 09 Dec 2009 - Another 500,000 children eligible for free school meals
• 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
• 27 Aug 2009 - School meals price increase for Derbyshire
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• 25 Jun 2009 - Free school meals will boost healthy choices
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• 01 May 2009 - Durham, Newham and Wolverhampton to pilot free school meals
• 04 Mar 2009 - Islington Labour wins free school meals for all
• 21 Jan 2009 - Many children are not taking free school meals

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