Lyn Brown MP has welcomed a report revealing that the number of children having a free school meal in Newham primary schools has increased by 30%.  The scheme is saving all families in Newham £8 a week per child.

All primary schools in Newham have been taking part in the government’s pilot scheme since September 2009.  The number of primary school children having a free school lunch has jumped from 45% to 75%.

The report shows that free school meals are helping children to change their eating habits and eat healthy meals.  This helps them to do better in class.  Teachers have noticed that children concentrate and play with other children better.  Providing meals for all children makes lunchtimes a ‘sociable event’.

Providing free school meals for all primary school children is also saving families vital cash and is helping to create jobs in Newham.

The scheme is saving Newham council money.  By providing school meals for all children, the same amount of money stretches 14% further than before.

The report, from the trade union the GMB, concludes that there is a strong case for extending the free school meals pilot to every council in the country.  The government will be starting more pilots in September 2010.  

Lyn Brown MP said,

“I am delighted that the free school meals pilot in Newham is proving to be such a success.  A healthy lunch helps children to concentrate better in class and this is vital if our children are to achieve their full potential at school.  

Healthy school meals also improve children’s health and fitness – I hope that by providing free lunches we can create good eating habits for life.  For many children in our borough, their free lunch is their first proper meal of the day and we must ensure this is well-balanced and nutritious.

Many hard-working families are feeling extra pressure on their budgets at the moment.  This scheme saves families vital cash whilst helping our children to be the best they can.”