Today a local schools meals company launches a campaign to increase the number of children in Dorset eating free school meals.
Local Food Links Ltd (LFL) which provides meals to over 20 primary schools in north and west Dorset is calling on parents, schools and local communities to make sure that children entitled to free school meals actually get them.
LFL believes that 1 in 5 children who are eligible might be missing out on free meals at school. And some who have already qualified for free school meals are not actually claiming them. Julie Sheppard, chair of LFL, says:
“With more families feeling the pinch, it’s really important that children don’t miss out on free school meals. If you’re eligible, you could save £400 a year for every child who’s registered as well as hours spent making packed lunches. Even if you don’t qualify at the moment, if your circumstances change, it’s worth checking whether your child might be eligible. The application process is easy and completely confidential – no-one will know your child is receiving free school meals so that shouldn’t stop you from applying”
The company, which is based in Bridport and Blandford, is non-profit making and wants schools and local communities to encourage parents to check if their child qualifies for free school meals.
There are now other good reasons to apply since the introduction this year of the Pupil Premium means that schools can claim £430 extra from the government for every child registered for free school meals. Julie Sheppard said:
“There are lots of good reasons to boost the numbers of children benefitting from free school meals. Children who eat better, do better at school. And children from households with the smallest budgets deserve as good a start in life as those from more affluent homes. It’s not a hand-out, it’s an entitlement – and the school benefits too – everyone’s a winner”.
For more information contact: Suzie King 01308 428924 suzie.king@localfoodlinks.org.uk
