The start of a new push to encourage Scotland’s school children to make better food choices has been welcomed today.
The publication of new guidance for schools launched to coincide with International School Meals Day will see efforts redoubled to ensure that healthy, nutritious school meals are provided across Scotland and encourage children to develop healthy eating habits that will continue into adulthood.
The Scottish Government recently announced that all primary one to three pupils would be entitled to free school meals, encouraging them to take up the healthy meals on offer at a key stage of their development – a move Labour initially voted against in the Scottish Parliament.
Falkirk West MSP and Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson said:
“The start of this renewed push to encourage healthy eating choices in Falkirk’s schools is extremely welcome and builds upon the revolution in free school meals that the Scottish Government is delivering.
“We know from all the evidence just how the early years of a child’s life can shape their habits throughout their lifetime – which is why the Scottish Government is investing £114 million in delivering free school meal entitlement to all primary one to three pupils.
“That is good news for Falkirk’s children’s development, but it is also a significant boost to family budgets who will benefit to the tune of £330 each year for every eligible child.
