At a time when the health of our children is cause for mounting concern, we want our kids to know what good food is and at least once a day, sit down to a proper balanced meal. So the Green Party would provide a free lunch in all state schools in England and Wales every school day, to every pupil.
This will have enormous benefits for our children’s health and their ability to concentrate in school. Parents won’t have to wonder any more what kind of junk food their children are spending their lunch money on. And as it applies to everyone, it will end the stigma previously attached to free school meals – remember, nearly 300,000 children who are eligible for free school meals don’t actually take advantage of them.
The scheme will support local and organic non-GM food, free from additives and cater for all dietary requirements (such as vegetarian, vegan or halal).
Schools will also be encouraged to involve children in growing, preparing and cooking food. Of course, we don’t propose to force feed children. If they really don’t want their free lunch, they can bring food from home, go home at lunchtime or buy healthy food from school.