8000 Children Missing Out On Free School Meals

8,000 children missing out on free school meals. Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has reminded parents to check if they are eligible to apply for free lunches for their child at school. The Minister made the call as he revealed that an estimated 8,000 children may be missing out on their entitlement to free school meals because their parents are not aware they are eligible for assistance. Many working parents and guardians may not be aware that they are eligible to avail of this important service. Mr O’Dowd said: “As the new term begins, I am keen to ensure that those children who are entitled to free school meals have the chance to avail of a nutritionally balanced meal during the school day. “Free school meals are provided to children from low income households – and with over 64,000 children here currently entitled to a free meal it is disappointing that around 8,000 additional children are missing out on this right. “If you are on certain benefits, tax credits or pension credit, and your child is still at school, your child may be eligible. This includes parents of nursery children – provided they have a full-time place. “Free school meals eligibility should not carry any stigma and are administered in a confidential way with schools. “I would encourage parents to check nidirect at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/school-lunches to find out more or to contact their local education and library board who administer the scheme.”]]>