Bring free kids meal scheme to our town
Readers have their say on pilot initiative
Following a shocking rise in teachers reporting malnourished pupils, North Lanarkshire Council is piloting a new scheme to help tackle child poverty.
The local authority plans to provide free meals to disadvantaged children from low-income families 365 days a year. The initiative will be the first of its kind in the UK and aims to stamp out ‘holiday hunger’ during school breaks.
We asked East Kilbride shoppers if they think South Lanarkshire Council should follow suit.
Liam Kain, 61, from Westwood said: “If parents are struggling and kids aren’t eating well enough, free school meals should be made a priority across the board.
“Anything that promotes more equality in society is a good thing.”
Liam’s wife Anne, also 61, agreed, adding: “How can children be expected to learn properly when they are hungry? I support any kind of help for a child’s health and wellbeing.”
Jean Cliffe, 76, from Calderwood said: “If one council can do it, why shouldn’t the rest?
“People worse off would appreciate the help of a free meal.”
Greenhills Parish Church Rev John Brewster said: “It’s outrageous that, nationally, large numbers of children are going to school without breakfast in a developing country like this. Councils and government are there to look after all of our people, especially children, and if it costs taxes so be it.”
Anything that promotes more equality in society is a good thing...
Liam Kain