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Debate: should all kids get free school meals?

12 September 2008

According to the media we are in the midst of an obesity crisis? All the school playing fields have been sold, and our kids seem to live on junk food.

What is the answer to this?

  • Should all kids be entitled to nutrionally balanced school dinners?
  • Or should school dinners only be available to children who really need them?
  • Is this an issue that affects you?
  • Would free school meals really make a difference?

 

Have your say, and debate the issue here on PCS comment, and a selection of the best comments will be published in View, the monthly magazine for PCS members.

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  1. school meals

    26 September 2008

    Call me cynical but many of the children I see at the local school who are getting free school meals are entitled to them through their mothers being lone parents in receipt of Income Support. I know for a fact many of these lone parents have live in partners (many of whom are the childrens fathers) who are working full time. Myself and my husband are both civil servants who work hard to provide for our children, and are entitled to no benefits. It costs £17 per week for our 2 children for school meals, and at the end of the month we are often struggling to find this money. We are penalised because we are honest and earn a modest living. My son in Primary 1 wants a ticket for school dinners like his friends as he is the odd one out.

    MaryJane Connelly
    More help for the middle

    26 September 2008

    While I think it ridiculous for those on high incomes to get free meals for their children, I would like to see more help for those on middle incomes. Those on very low incomes are already entitled to free meals but I would suggest that most civil servants are not. Just because we have jobs, this does not mean that we are not struggling.

    Dee Luxford
    Increasing Poverty

    25 September 2008

    I agree with Micky that poor children should be able to access support by getting free meals without stigma, and the ONLY way to do that is to have universal free meals. Furthermore, universal free school meals provides a method of ensuring nutritional balance. I would go further and demand the restoration of school kitchens, giving fresh hot meals and providing new employment, particularly suited to single parents (part-time, term-time) of school age kids, one of the most impoverished sectors of society.

    Tim Nicholls
    Free School Meals for all

    24 September 2008

    I agree that free school meals should be provided for all. The money I would save not having to pay for these/providing pack lunches would help off-set part of the disgraceful pay cut in real terms that my employer is offering me.

    Nigel Salisbury
    School lunch for all

    24 September 2008

    All children that attend state schools should be given a hot meal at lunchtime. For many it is the only meal they would get a day. I would also give them a toothbrush and some toothpaste so as they can learn that they should clean after eating. It should not be means tested, as that is problematic and stigmatising.

    Hot Potato
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