School meals need revamp for disadvantaged pupils

THE Government has been urged to reform the school meals scheme after research found that children from poor backgrounds have less healthy diets.

Crosscare, the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin’s social care agency, said the study by the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) highlights the larger incidence of obesity among children in disadvantaged schools.

The research among almost 700 Dublin pupils found that those in disadvantaged areas are six times more likely to eat fast food such as burgers, or pizza at least once a day. They also spend far more time watching television or playing computer games.