MSP Welcomes Support for Free School Meals

Linda Fabiani MSP, has welcomed the support from three major children’s charities for the SNP Government’s proposals to extend free school meals for Scotland’s youngest children.

Barnardo’s Scotland, the Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland and Children in Scotland recently gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament Education Committee, which supported the proposal to extend free school meals to young primary school children in P1-P3 and all primary and secondary pupils of families in receipt of maximum child tax credit and maximum working tax credit.

The charities are part of a wide cross section of Scottish society – including children and families charities; trade unions and professional teaching associations; anti-poverty groups; faith groups; health boards and academics – who support the expansion of free school meals.

Ms Fabiani commented:

“The support of these major children’s charities is part of a growing consensus in favour of free school meals for our youngest children; however, it is unfortunate that the Labour Party in Scotland has been a dissenting voice because they seem unable to put the health of our children before their own petty political prejudices.

“This measure has widespread support across a range of political and civic bodies because it is seen almost universally as an important step in improving our children’s health.

“I’m sure that when this programme is introduced in 2009 it will be welcomed by parents and children throughout East Kilbride as it will ensure a nutritious meal is made available for every child that wants it.

“In the long term this is a step in the right direction towards challenging the country’s dietary record and will reassure many parents that the SNP Government is very serious about the future health of our people.”