Free meal drive as hundreds miss out

Lianne Cooper

02 May 2008

FAMILIES in Alcester are being urged to make sure they are not missing out on free school meals for their children.

New research from Warwickshire County Council suggests that more than a thousand children across the county are missing out on free school meals.

Latest figures reveal that although 8.5 per cent of pupils in Warwickshire are entitled to free school meals only 6.8 per cent are taking them.

The drive to increase the uptake of free school meals is part of the county council’s work to ensure children get a nutritious meal to help them make the most of the school day.

Under the Free School Meals scheme not only do children get free food but their school gets extra income too.

County Caterers, the council’s main catering arm, have introduced new payment methods in some schools which means that those who take a free school meal can remain anonymous.

Payment in these schools is made via the internet whilst cashless swipe cards are being introduced in some secondary schools across the county.

Again payment can be made for this system via the internet.

Coun John Burton, cabinet member for schools, said: “We want to give our children the best possible chance in life and it’s no secret that eating a balanced meal can help improve concentration and learning at school.

“The county council wants to make sure everyone makes the most of their entitlement and we are making efforts to make the application process easier for parents or carers who receive certain benefits to claim free meals.

“There is also no need for children who receive school meals to stand out from the crowd with the introduction of cashless systems in schools.”

Those eligible include parents receiving Income Support and income-based Job Seekers Allowance. Families who receive Child Tax Credit and an annual taxable income of no more than £15,575 (providing Working Tax Credit is not in payment) also qualify.

Grandparents looking after grandchildren can also apply for free school meals if they receive the Minimum Income Guarantee element of State Pension Credit. Those receiving support under Part VI of Immigration & Asylum Act 1999 also qualify.

For more information and to obtain forms visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/schoolmeals or call 01926 742060.

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