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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. yes to free school meals!

    17 September 2008

    Until Britain's parents are taught how to cook cheap, seasonal and nutritious meals again, many of the most vulnerable children miss out on a hot, healthy, balanced meal each day, because despite being available to those on benefits, not all vulnerable families are on benefits. Some miss out by only a few pounds. Unfortunately, some of the borderline and obese children are from families on low or benefit-restricted incomes! at least this would help stop the ticking timebomb of obesity. Please note these are personal views and not relected those of my workplace!

    Pam hill
    I'm old too

    15 September 2008

    I too remember free milk. I also had free dinners. I'm not sure that the children of high earners should be able to have free dinners, but I would welcome the threshold being raised somewhat so that those parents who are trying to provide for their families but are not on the minimum wage still know that their children are getting a warm meal at lunchtime without them having to worry about the cost. It seems to me that there is help for those on a very low income, but very little for those who have an income, which even though it is higher, is still nowhere near the level that brings absolute financial security

    Dee Luxford
    Free school milk

    12 September 2008

    I might be showing my age, but I remember when I was a kid that everyone used to get free school milk (before Thatcher the milk snatcher came along!) - it was a really good idea and meant that everyone had a healthy drink in the morning, and that poorer kids did not feel stigmatised by getting something for free, and with kids nowadays stuffing their faces with fried chicken and burgers it would be a good thing if they got at least one healthy meal a day.

    Micky L
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