SIR – The article ‘Give every child a free school meal’ (August 20) said that 1,217 pupils in Worcestershire are not taking up free school meals.
Perhaps this has little to do with parents and carers feeling stigmatised and a lot more to do with doubts over the quality of the food itself.
Stigma is not a substantial enough reason to bring in a compulsory school meal system, or a compulsory anything for that matter.
Those pushing this argument need to answer a few questions.
Will free school dinners be organic?
Will they be free of aspartame, MSG, GMOs or colourings?
Will they be free of rendered carcasses?
Will they be prepared by chefs, or microwave technicians?
The whole process will be outsourced to the most cost-effective third party.
That way the government can plead innocence when a subsequent health scare arises. I’m already opting out.
MARK MANNING,
Kidderminster.
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