12th Aug 2008 - 00:00
Abstract
Trade union the GMB has today called for every primary school child in the UK to have free school meals after research showed they can prolong life expectancy.
Paul Kenny, the union's general secretary explained more: "The best place to start educating people about nutrition and food is those early years of life at home and at school. For all families, a nutritious, healthy free school meal would be invaluable support in ensuring every child has healthy food options and would take pressure off families' monthly food bills." Research found that men living in Kensington and Chelsea in London lived longer than men in Glasgow. Women lived longer in the same London area by 10 years, compared with those in Glasgow. The GMB has campaigned continually for free school meals and added that they would eventually expect meals in secondary schools to also be free of charge. In a statement the union concluded that the health of children and their life expectancy could be improved through the education of healthy eating.