40% rise in Moray's free school meals
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THE number of primary pupils receiving free school meals in Moray has risen by over 40%.
Figures released by the council following a freedom of information request show a dramatic increase from 730 in 2009/10 to 1,033 in 2010/11.
However, the 41.5% increase is good news according to councillors.
An initiative to encourage those entitled to free school meals to take them and some primaries offering free lunches to all pupils have bolstered numbers.
John Divers, Labour member for Elgin South, said figures showed the move had been successful.
"There was an issue with those entitled to free lunches not taking them," he said.
"This was raised out of the recognition of areas of deprivation.
"These figures show that the initiatives are working and more children are getting the benefit of a good, healthy school lunch."
He added that praise should go to schools for carrying out schemes, which have been part funded by the Scottish Government.
Jeff Hamilton, chairman of the children and young people’s committee, said: "I eat in schools more often than most and it’s restaurant quality food that’s served.
"When you speak to the kids about school meals they generally have something positive to say."
He added a lot had been done in schools to remove the stigma associated with receiving free lunches.
The numbers of secondary pupils getting free meals has risen from 466 to 486 over the same period.
A lunch in Moray costs £1.95 in primaries and £2.05 in secondaries.
