School caterers in Scotland are getting an extra £63.5m over the next three years to improve school meals. The Scottish government announced a programme of extra funding last week.
The new measures come from recommendations made by an expert panel on school meals in the Hungry for Success report. They include free fruit for pupils in the first two years of primary school, larger portions of starchy foods, fruit and vegetables at no further cost to parents, and free drinking water available in dining rooms. Schools are recommended not to serve fizzy drinks.
Annual turnover of Scottish school meals, before the new investment, is £87m, of which £30m comes from parents. The improvements aim to increase the general uptake of hot lunches, and raise awareness of the entitlement to free meals. Overall, half of Scottish schoolchildren take school meals, and 19% are entitled to free meals, but only 15% take them.
The money will also go to improving the ambience of school dining facilities and encouraging their use as social areas. Education minister Cathy Jamieson said: "Pupils can expect to have a greater say about services and to see improvements such as better facilities, more choice, and generous portions of good-quality food."
She added that the changes were not limited to lunchtimes, but extended to food served in breakfast clubs and out-of-school clubs, vending machines and tuck shops, and to education about healthy eating. Advertising of crisps, sweets or soft drinks on school premises is not allowed.
Schools and caterers should have the standards in place for primary schools by December 2004 and for secondary schools by December 2006. Local education authorities and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education will monitor implementation.
By Ben Walker