It's time to apply for free school meals

Parents of children who may be eligible for free school meals have been urged to apply.

Education Minister, Peter Weir said: “One of my Department’s aims is to raise standards in education and the importance of a healthy school meal in achieving this should not be underestimated.

There is a recognised connection between healthy eating and improved learning and a nutritious school meal contributes to a young person’s growth and development.”

The ‘Food in Schools’ policy advocates a whole school approach to ensure that only healthy food is provided in schools and that young people develop the knowledge and skills to enable them to enjoy a healthy lifestyle as they progress through life. Information is available at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/nutrition-and-school-lunches