End of free school meals debated
HULL - Councillors in Hull (UK) are to discuss the decision to stop giving every primary pupil in the city a free school meal.
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In 2004, the city’s Labour council became the first in England to offer free meals to all primary age children. However, the new Lib Dem run council believes that, at an annual cost of more than £3m, it is unfair to expect taxpayers to fund the scheme. It is due to be closed in May 2007, but head teachers believe it has helped pupils’ behaviour and concentration.
Earlier this month Hull council leader, Carl Minns, said his administration is „totally committed” to providing healthy meals for pupils. „Our fervent belief in healthy nutrition for the young, a la Jamie Oliver, was the basis of our past proposals to increase the nutritional content and value of school meals”, he said. „But healthy should not be confused with free and we maintain that the free school meal programme, which has led to an increase of over £3m of spending on school meals, is unaffordable.”
Up to 95% of children have eaten school meals in the city since the scheme was implemented, with 24,000 pieces of fresh fruit and vegetables served every day. (RD)
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