Michael Foster MP has urged East Sussex County Council to apply for new Government funding so that free primary school meals can be provided for local pupils in Hastings and Rye.

The Government is providing £35million to expand the successful pilot schemes trialling universal free school meals for all primary aged children. The goal is to have at least one pilot local authority area in each region of the country from September 2010. Individual Councils have to submit bids for funding.

Free school meal pilots are already running in three local authorities – Durham, Newham and Wolverhampton. Durham and Newham are trialling universal free school meals for all primary age children and Wolverhampton are trialling extended eligibility. Although the pilots only started in September 2009 there has already been some very positive feedback.

Michael Foster MP said:

“We know good health is vital if children are going to enjoy their childhood and achieve their full potential. Eating a nutritious meal at lunchtime from a young age can make eating well a healthy habit for life.

“The Government is providing £35million for new pilot areas and I want the Council to put in an application. Our primary schools and young pupils stand to benefit greatly. I have already contacted the Council and I hope they will be submitting a bid in the near future.”