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It’s a heated debate over… milk, and Britain’s politicians can’t seem to make up their minds about where they stand on the issue. In a strange television moment, Education Minister David Willetts seemed to change his mind on the issue very quickly: just as he was defending a removal of the free milk scheme, he was forced to change his opinion as David Cameron stepped in to protect the milk programme. It seems that that’s the way things stand for the moment, but why does this matter mean so much?

Milking it

The free milk for under-fives issue remains a major political point of contention. Many argue that there’s really little nutritional benefit from milk that can’t be obtained elsewhere, and that there are few families in England who couldn’t afford the tiny amount of milk that the government provides every day, but there are those who say it has to stay.

Support

The Junior Health Minister doesn’t see the point of providing free milk, but the Chief Executive of The National Day Nurseries Association supports the decision to keep providing milk for children under five. ‘A drink of milk and healthy snack is part of nursery life. It is vital that funding that supports the health of young children, especially those from needy backgrounds, is fully protected.’

Keeping schoolchildren healthy

As debates rage over such topics as free milk for under fives and the nutritional value of school lunches, it seems increasingly important that parents take an active role in providing kids with the food they need to stay healthy and perform well at school. A healthy packed lunch full of appetising snacks is a good option, and don’t underestimate the importance of a good breakfast, too.

Tags: children