New scheme to make free school lunches more available in Leeds launches today

Education Leeds launched a pilot in secondary schools earlier this year to make free school meals available from break time so young people could choose to eat healthy food when they were hungry and not have to wait until lunch time. Pre-ordered 'grab bags' – consisting of a sandwich, dessert and drink – were made available during break time to young people who took free school meals as an alternative to traditional lunchtime meals. Following the pilot's success, it's being officially launched today at Roundhay School. The launch will be attended by the deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Patrick Davey, who will meet young people when they submit their order forms for their grab bags for that day. He will also find out more about how the scheme encourages young people to eat healthily and take up their free school meal entitlement. Councillor Jane Dowson, executive board member for learning at Leeds City Council, said: "The parents of children and young people who are eligible for a free school meal should make sure they take up the offer as it can give their children a real boost during the day – especially during cold weather. "A nutritious school meal delivers benefit directly to children from lower income families and can improve attention, learning, outcomes and overall health." This year's pilot was prompted by research by Leeds Metropolitan University, on behalf of Education Leeds.