It's embarrassing, 'cause you have to stand there and get your name ticked off. But even where there was no obvious problem, pupils worried about what they believed others thought of them. Often pupils claiming free meals had to identify themselves to catering staff - either by giving their names, to be ticked off on an entitlement list kept at the till, or by handing over meal tickets. Unhealthy' Food quality was also a consideration for two thirds of pupils and parents who did not take up free meals. In secondary school cafeterias the food was often described as unhealthy and unappealing.
Sandwiches are so expensive on a dinner ticket.
You can't get a sandwich and a drink at the same time Typically, most pupils paid 20-30p more than the value of the free meal. The Child Poverty Action Group says children getting free meals had to pay extra, chose unhealthy but cheaper options or simply went hungry. In one school, prices were not clearly marked - causing embarrassment at the till. Poorer children's friends might be bringing in packed lunches instead - but those who took the free cooked meals were unable to sit and eat with them. It is unacceptable that around a third of a million children do not claim the free school meal to which they are entitled.