26th Mar 2008 - 00:00
Abstract
Children across Fife will continue to receive free, nutritious school meals until the end of the school year,the Scottish Government has announced.
The government is extending the trial of free school meals for all primary one to three pupils.
More than 35,000 pupils are benefiting from the free school meal trials which are underway in the Borders, Fife, Glasgow, East Ayrshire and West Dunbartonshire.
Children's Minister Adam Ingram, who visited St Columba's Primary School in Cupar to see the impact of the initiative, commented: "It's not just about changing eating habits in schools. What our children eat out of school is just as important and I'm sure that many families are already seeing the direct benefits this programme provides."
He continued: "We will use the information gathered in this trail to see whether the provision of free meals is having a positive impact both in schools and in the home. We will then be in a position to say how and when many more children in Scotland will benefit from the free, healthy and nutritious lunches."
Around £5 million has been committed to the trials so far. The scheme was due to finish at the end of March but will now continue until the end of the school year.
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