"“there has been an 11 per cent rise in the number of pupils accessing free school meals"

THE number of pupils having free school meals has risen at one Barking school following the launch of a new scheme. Eastbury School, in Hulse Avenue, Barking, is the first in the borough to trial the new Street Base Connect Card.
Since its launch in March, there has been an 11 per cent rise in the number of pupils accessing free school meals at the school. Street Base Connect gives young people Oyster-style swipe card access to youth, health, leisure and library services along with cashless catering. 

The council said it believes the increase is down to the fact that the card removes the stigma of free school meals as every pupil has the card. David Dickson, headteacher at Eastbury Comprehensive School, was delighted with the success of the card. 
He said: “I would like to thank our students who have contributed to its smooth introduction, parents and all the staff at the school and borough who are ensuring success. “Our whole dining experience has improved - students spend less time queuing and spend more time eating together. “It has improved working conditions for catering staff and they now have more time to provide advice about healthy options to students.” 

The card is currently being piloted at Eastbury School and will roll out to other schools later this year.
Source: Yellow Advertiser.