Parents of eligible children urged to apply for free school meals

Parents of eligible children urged to apply for free school meals Education Minister Peter Weir is encouraging parents of eligible children to up the officer of free school meals.

Mr Weir was speaking after it was revealed that for the 2015-16 school year of 101,063 pupils who were eligible for free school meals only 82,002 (81.1%) availed of the service.

Mr Weir said one of his Department’s aims was to raise standards in education and the importance of a healthy school meal in achieving this should not be underestimated.

He added; 2There is a recognised connection between healthy eating and improved learning and a nutritious school meal contributes to a young person’s growth and development.”

“The ‘Food in Schools’ policy advocates a whole school approach to ensure that only healthy food is provided in schools and that young people develop the knowledge and skills to enable them to enjoy a healthy lifestyle as they progress through life.”

Mr Weir added eating a “nutritious school meal” could improve a child’s concentration, behaviour and their ability to learn in class.

He added: “This ultimately leads to better educational outcomes.

“Parents have a role to play in encouraging healthy eating and embedding a lifelong habit that will ultimately lead to improved health in adult years.”