Researchers have raised the alarm after finding reduced fruit and vegetable intake for around half of pupils receiving the government’s free school meal (FSM) vouchers.
A study from Northumbria University’s Healthy Living Lab found that intake of sugary drinks had also increased for many pupils during the coronavirus lockdown.
As the country went into lockdown on March 23, the FSM vouchers were introduced to try and ensure that families of disadvantaged pupils being schooled at home could still benefit from free meals at lunchtime.
The system – which has been beset by difficulties – offered families vouchers worth £15 a week, accepted by a number of supermarkets, to cover the cost of food shopping.
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