The policy of extending free school meal provision has gained widespread support from many; Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), along with Poverty Alliance, One Plus, the Scottish Youth Parliament, a range of voluntary organisations, nutritional experts, academics and politicians from across the political spectrum are supporting proposals for a new School Meals (Scotland) Bill.

Supporters of the Bill are asked to respond positively (by 30 September 2005) to a consultation on these proposals that would extend entitlement to free school meals to all children in state primary schools. You can view or download the The Case For Free School Meals 1644 KB pdf file at www.cpag.org.uk/scotland/Case-for-Free-School-Meals.pdf

In addition to introducing universal entitlement to primary school children the Bill would also require Scottish Ministers to: 

• introduce statutory nutritional standards for school meals
• introduce a complaints and enforcements scheme for parents and children
• introduce powers to effectively ban the promotion and sale of junk food on school premises
• guarantee school pupils access to water and milk

You can complete the on-line response form at www.cpag.org.uk/scotland/school_meals_consultation_form.htm