Tough new standards praised, but free school meals campaign continues
03.10.05

Tougher nutritional standards announced today for school meals in England have been welcomed by a leading children's charity.

The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), which was part of the School Meals Review Panel that drew up the report, said improving the quality of school meals must go alongside extending entitlement to them.

Dr Paul Dornan, CPAG's Head of Policy and a member of the Review Panel, said:

"For many children, particularly those living in poverty, school lunch may be the only proper hot meal they get each day.

"CPAG is therefore pleased that Ruth Kelly has accepted the recommendations of the School Meals Review Panel to introduce tough nutritional standards. If we can make school meals healthier and more nutritious millions of children will benefit.

"At the same time as improving the quality of school meals, we must also extend entitlement. CPAG is campaigning for universal free school meals so that all children get a decent meal each day.

"At the moment many families who are entitled to free school meals do not claim them, either through ignorance or fear of stigma. Furthermore, many families who live in poverty do not qualify in the first place and school meals are either an extra financial burden or simply replaced by unhealthy packed lunches.

"So universal free school meals will ensure that all children, particularly the poorest, get at least one healthy meal each day. The investment that's needed now could be saved in years to come as children become healthier and as the rise in obesity is curbed."

For further information please contact:
Alex Belardinelli
CPAG Press Officer
Tel. 020 7812 5216 or 07816 909302
abelardinelli@cpag.org.uk