23rd Jan 2008 - 00:00
Abstract
Almost 7,000 more Glasgow primary pupils are tucking into school free meals since October last year when the Government launched free meal pilot schemes for primary one to three pupils in five areas of Scotland.
A survey, published on the Evening Times website, found that across the city's 169 primaries, the average number taking free meals is 79%, equivalent to 11,554 pupils.
Ten primaries have had a 100% response from pupils but at Garrowhill primary, only 55% of youngsters are opting for free lunches.
Council bosses hope to push up the average to 85% and plan to visit every school where less that three quarters of pupils are opting to eat for free.
A spokesman said: "This will cover, among other things, the quality of food and the speed of service and will also examine whether the service could be better promoted to parents and pupils."
The council also recently questioned pupils, teaching and catering staff at schools in Springburn about healthy eating.
The study recommended that councils do everything they can to tackle vans and local shops targeting pupils with cheap, unhealthy lunches.
Glasgow Centre for Population Health researchers also found that packed lunches and snacks were "a cause of concern"
The research also looked at the possibility of banning secondary pupils from leaving school at lunchtime, but warned that there was only "limited support" for this move.
And council bosses have been warned not to put more pressure on pupils to eat healthily at home as it could cause resentment among parents and pupils.