Chambers, S. , Dundas, R. and Torsney, B. (2016) School and local authority characteristics associated with take-up of free school meals in Scottish secondary schools, 2014. Contemporary Social Science, 11(1), pp. 52-63. (doi: 10.1080/21582041.2016.1223871) (PMID:28191363) (PMCID:PMC5259801)
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Abstract
School meals are an important state-delivered mechanism for improving children’s diets. Scottish local authorities have a statutory duty to provide free school meals (FSM) to families meeting means-testing criteria. Inevitably take-up of FSM does not reach 100%. Explanations put forward to explain this include social stigma, as well as a more general dissatisfaction amongst pupils about lack of modern facilities and meal quality, and a preference to eat where friends are eating. This study investigated characteristics associated with take-up across Scottish secondary schools in 2013–2014 using multilevel modelling techniques. Results suggest that stigma, food quality and the ability to eat with friends are associated with greater take-up. Levels of school modernisation appeared less important, as did differences between more urban or rural areas. Future studies should focus on additional school-level variables to identify characteristics associated with take-up, with the aim of reducing the number of registered pupils not taking-up FSM.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Torsney, Dr Bernard and Chambers, Dr Stephanie and Dundas, Professor Ruth |
| Authors: | Chambers, S., Dundas, R., and Torsney, B. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Social Scientists working in Health and Wellbeing College of Science and Engineering > School of Mathematics and Statistics |
| Journal Name: | Contemporary Social Science |
| Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
| ISSN: | 2158-2041 |
| ISSN (Online): | 2158-205X |
| Published Online: | 30 September 2016 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2016 The Authors |
| First Published: | First published in Contemporary Social Science 11(1):52-63 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
| Data DOI: | 10.5525/gla.researchdata.347 |
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